Visualize A Better Tomorrow

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"

        Considering the context of this vision, and God’s commandment for Ezekiel to share his vision with Israel, it is strange that it centers on the Third Temple. At this time, the Jewish people were well into their 70th year of exile in Babylon. Once the 70 years were up, they would return to Israel and build the Second Temple. However; it seems to make more sense that this vision would be about the Second Temple, not the Third. Why is God set on providing Israel with a vision of something that they would never achieve?

        The Second Temple would stand in a world very far from perfection, but the Third Temple will be built in a perfected world. The Second Temple would improve the situation, but the Third Temple will represent the ideal situation. The Second Temple was only temporary, but the Third Temple will stand forever.

        By giving the people a vision of what was ultimately possible, God intended for them to "be ashamed of their sins," (V-10), which caused the destruction of the First Temple, and to be motivated to repent so that they could achieve the vision of a perfected world. The glimpse into the future was also meant to soothe their souls. By showing them how great things would be in the end, God was teaching the people to look past their current difficulties and focus on the larger picture, (V11).

        This lesson was not just for the Jews of Ezekiel’s time, but also for us today. When we find ourselves in difficult times, it is helpful, even essential to visualize a better future. This is true on a global level and also in our personal lives. When we paint a picture of how life can be, it not only will motivate us to work toward a better tomorrow, but will also give us the strength to bear the burdens of today. Only then can we appreciate that our challenges are just temporary difficulties on a path that will ultimately lead to a better place.

        Amen!

Reading: (Ezek. 43:1-27)

Ref: (HG SB)

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry