How can we ensure God's presence remains in our lives and communities today? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 11:23 “And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood on the mountain east of the city.” God’s glory physically moved away from Jerusalem because His people rejected His ways. Yet the verse also hints at mercy: His presence pauses on the Mount of Olives, waiting and watching, rather than abandoning Israel forever. From this single verse—and the broader sweep of Scripture—we learn how to keep that glory from departing in our own day. Core Truths Drawn from the Passage • God’s presence is tangible and observable, not abstract. • Sin and rebellion push His glory away; repentance beckons Him back (cf. Ezekiel 18:30–32). • Even when withdrawing, God positions Himself for return—He loves to restore (cf. Ezekiel 36:26–28). Personal Habits That Welcome His Presence • Wholehearted obedience – John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” • Ongoing repentance – Psalm 139:23–24; 1 John 1:9. • Consistent worship and thanksgiving – Psalm 22:3: God “inhabits the praises of Israel.” • Word-saturated living – Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Community Practices That Host His Glory • Unified devotion to truth – Acts 2:42–43 records teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer—immediately followed by signs of God’s nearness. • Pursuit of holiness as a body – 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: the local church is God’s temple; defiling it provokes His departure. • Justice and compassion – Isaiah 58:6–11 links caring for the oppressed with God’s glory overshadowing His people. • Corporate prayer and fasting – 2 Chronicles 7:14: humble, collective seeking leads to healing of the land and renewed presence. Warning Signs of Departure • Casual attitude toward sin • Truth diluted for cultural approval • Self-centered worship focused on performance over reverence • Neglect of Scripture and prayer Encouraging Signs of His Abiding Glory • Conviction of sin followed by genuine repentance • Humble hearts quick to obey • Supernatural love and unity within the body • Manifestations of His gifts that exalt Christ, not personalities The Ultimate Hope Ezekiel’s vision finishes with glory returning to a restored temple (Ezekiel 43:1–5). Revelation 21:3 echoes the same end: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Until that day, every believer and every church can be a living temple (1 Peter 2:5), ensuring His presence remains by walking in truth, holiness, and humble dependence on Him. |
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