What does Ezekiel 43:25 teach us about obedience and reverence in worship? Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 43:25 “For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished.” Context Snapshot • Ezekiel is describing the future temple and its ordinances. • The people have just witnessed God’s glory returning (vv. 1–5), underscoring that worship must now align with His holiness (vv. 6–12). • Verses 13–27 lay out a precise, seven-day consecration ritual for the altar, climaxing in v. 25’s daily sacrifices. What the Ritual Teaches about Obedience • Exact instructions, not general suggestions—God defines how He is to be worshiped (cf. Leviticus 10:1-3). • Daily repetition—obedience is consistent, not occasional (Luke 9:23 “take up your cross daily”). • Unblemished animals—obedience requires our best, never leftovers (Malachi 1:6-8). • Seven-day span—complete obedience until the task is finished, echoing creation’s seven-day pattern of divine order (Genesis 2:1-3). What the Ritual Teaches about Reverence • Sin offering first—reverence begins with acknowledging our need for cleansing (Isaiah 6:5-7). • Multiple sacrifices—God’s holiness is so weighty that one act is insufficient; reverence recognizes His infinite worth. • God sets the terms—reverence bows to His authority, not personal preference (John 4:24 “in spirit and truth”). • “Both unblemished”—perfection mirrors God’s character (1 Peter 1:15-16 “Be holy, for I am holy”). Connections to the Rest of Scripture • Leviticus 4 shows the same male-goat sin offering, reinforcing continuity in God’s standards. • Hebrews 10:10 points to Christ as the once-for-all unblemished sacrifice fulfilling these patterns. • Romans 12:1 moves the principle forward: our bodies are now “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” Practical Takeaways • Approach worship with detailed, Scripture-shaped obedience rather than improvisation. • Confess and repent regularly; sin must be addressed before service (1 John 1:9). • Offer God your best time, energy, and resources; excellence honors His holiness. • Sustain obedience day after day—reverence is a lifestyle, not an event. |
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