20230104

removing the extraneous

Ezekiel 40:20-23 (JDV)

Ezekiel 40:20 He measured the gate of the outer court facing north, both its length and width.
Ezekiel 40:21 Its three recesses on each side, its jambs, and its portico had the same measurements as the first gate: 50 cubits long and 25 cubits wide.
Ezekiel 40:22 Its windows, portico, and palm trees had the same measurements as those of the gate that faced east. Seven steps led up to the gate, and its portico was ahead of them.
Ezekiel 40:23 The inner court had a gate facing the north gate, like the one on the east. He measured the distance from gate to gate; it was 100 cubits.

removing the extraneous

We have been looking at the new temple as a description of God’s new people — perfect in purity because all have been redeemed by the Lamb’s sacrifice.

As we begin this new year, it is appropriate that we stop and take inventory of our lives, to see if we are filling our present courts with something that does not belong. In Ezekiel’s temple, everything had a sanctified purpose. No hint of corruption or idolatry was allowed.

LORD, remove from us any extraneous item we will not carry with us into your new age.