THE GLORY

THE GLORY

There is an interesting story to be gleaned from the book of Ezekiel, if we take the time to search it out. It concerns the Glory of God, which was, at times visible to the eyes of men, as we read in Exodus 24:17-And the sight of the glory of the LORD [was] like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

God used this visible "Glory" to keep the children of Israel in line while in the wilderness. It "scared the daylights" out of them when it appeared at the door of the Tabernacle. Twice in two days, it stopped them from lynching Moses and his family.

Num 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Num 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

Num 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

It also served as a protection for them in the wilderness, in the form of a cloud by day, from the blistering sun, and a pillar of fire by night, from the cold, and other enemies.

It appeared at the dedication of Solomon's Temple as a thick cloud like smoke, stopping the priests from going in to perform their duties. It was perceived as a blessing and an approval from God. Ezekiel's story follows this theme through his prophecy. Let' follow it through its journey. We start at the river Chebar.

Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

Next stop is on the plain.

Ezekiel 3:23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

All aboard for Jerusalem, where we see some strange sights. Jerusalem is a picture of the Church today.

Ezekiel 8:3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. ((ContemporaryEnglishVersion) where there was an idol that disgusted the LORD and made him furious.)
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

Ezekiel 8:6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, THAT I SHOULD GO FAR OFF FROM MY SANCTUARY? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.

Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. [and stood] over the threshold of the house; Ezekiel 10:18 Then the glory of the LORD DEPARTED FROM OFF THE THRESHOLD of the house, and stood over the cherubims.

Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: WHEN THEY WENT OUT, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Ezekiel 11:23 And the GLORY OF THE LORD WENT UP FROM THE MIDST OF THE CITY, and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.

What a sad commentary. Because of the sins and idolatry of God's people, the Glory of God was driven from its place, from the SANCTUARY, from the THRESHOLD of His House--even from the MIDST OF HIS CITY. It left by degrees--hoping that the people would sense its departure, and stop their wickedness. THEY DID NOT.

A British Evangelist told us some time ago that we had driven God from His Sanctuary, and set up in His place the idol of entertainment. Can this be true?

I am afraid it is so.

Happily, the story doesn't stop there. There is a group known as the heathen who are being ministered to by the Glory of God.

Ezekiel 39:21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.

The good news is that in God's time, the Glory shall again be set in the midst of His people, but not until there has been a THOROUGH REPENTANCE FROM SIN AND IDOLATRY.

Listen to Eze 43:2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. Ezekiel 43:4 AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD CAME INTO THE HOUSE BY THE WAY OF THE GATE WHOSE PROSPECT [IS] TOWARD THE EAST.

Yes, there is a real restoration coming to the Church. GOD'S GLORY SHALL FILL HIS HOUSE.

Ezekiel 43:5 So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE HOUSE.

Ezekiel 44:4 Then brought he me the way of the north gate, and, behold, THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: and I fell upon my face.


A CHANGE OF RAIMENT
Pearl Fretwell

All of us, when we are expecting company, if we are not dressed properly, change our clothes (raiment).

When Joseph was called from the dungeon to stand before the king, he shaved himself and changed his raiment.

Joseph had a god-given ability to interpret dreams; and the king had dreamed a dream, and was troubled, for he understood it not. Genesis 41:14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved [himself], and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and [there is] none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, [that] thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, [It is] not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

It was not to receive honor nor glory, that he shaved and changed his raiment; it was the right thing to do.

As you look at the title of this article "A Change of Raiment", may the realization fall upon you and me-- that when we are called to stand before the Lord; the King of kings, Lord of lords, Almighty, Holy, Omnipotent God-- would it be proper and right to come before Him in our own righteousness, which is as filthy rags in His sight? Or in garments spotted by the "flesh" referred to in Jude 23? Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Most certainly not! We want to appear before Him in white garments, pure and clean; washed in the blood of the Lamb-- cleansed by the washing of water by the Word.

Hear what the Word says in Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Luke 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to [his] father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth [to me]. And he divided unto them [his] living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

See also John 3:5,6 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Philippians 3:20,21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Zechariah 3:4,5 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

This is a pre-vision of the Atonement of Christ. Joshua the High Priest is clothed in filthy garments, symbolizing the sinfulness of the people. Joshua's filthy garments are removed, meaning that the people's sins are forgiven and they are accepted of God. It is a picture of the time when the sins of mankind would be removed "in one day", as the coming "branch" in David's house (the Messiah) is pierced, and a fountain for sin is opened.

Zechariah 3:9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

Zechariah 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Our High Priest today is Jesus. There must come a change of raiment for us-- a change of heart-- a change of character-- a change in conduct. We have come to Jesus (our High Priest) for the removal of our sins. It is not optional-- it is essential, for only the High Priest could mediate. Now the Mediator between God and man is Christ Jesus.

Therefore, let all who will, whosoever will, come, and ask for the removal of their sins. Give Him your old tattered garment of sin and self righteousness; the garments spotted by the flesh.

He will give you a robe of pure white-- which He alone can give. He will put a ring (of betrothal) on your finger, and there will be a new hope, a new desire spring up within you-- FOR NOW. You will know you are accepted of Him-- Jesus our Lord.