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Ezekiel’s ministry began with a vision of God. The last 9 chapters end with a vision for his people. This vision is one of reconciliation, protection, trust, and blessings. Throughout his book, Ezekiel has continually called the people back to obedience for the sole purpose of revealing God’s glorious power to all mankind. How would this be accomplished? How would Israel turn from her wayward past and begin to once again follow their God?
The fundamental idea behind the people being holy would rest on the fact of God’s presence dwelling with them. We see this in the OT. We see this with Jesus coming to Earth. And, we see this with God eventually sending His Holy Spirit to dwell inside us. It is a consistent necessity in order for humanity to glorify their Creator.
Consider the hope that Israel now received. They would go back to their land. They would be forgiven. They would begin their new lives together again as a nation. However, what was the first step toward making this dream a reality? It was the re-establishment of God’s presence among them! This is not an afterthought. It is an absolute necessity.
Now, let’s ask ourselves the same questions. How do we return from sin into a proper relationship with God? How do we fight the temptations and heartaches of this world? How do we begin to see life the way Jesus did? We must saturate our lives with the presence of God. The is why we read Scripture. This is why we cry out to Him in prayer. This is why we worship Him. This is why we sacrifice our entire lives to follow. Jesus told us that without abiding in the presence of God, we can do nothing. Nothing. Let us not forget it!