How can we ensure God's presence remains in our lives today? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 10:18 and the Departing Glory “Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the house and stood over the cherubim.” • God’s visible glory once filled Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10–11). • By Ezekiel’s day, persistent rebellion had grieved Him; judgment required His glory to withdraw, leaving the building but standing over the cherubim, ready to depart Jerusalem entirely. • The verse warns that unrepentant sin can drive away the realized nearness of God, even though He is omnipresent. Why the Glory Departed from the Temple • Idolatry in the courts (Ezekiel 8). • Violence and injustice in daily life (Ezekiel 9:9). • Leaders who “turned their backs” on the LORD (Ezekiel 8:16). • A hardened refusal to listen to prophetic correction (Jeremiah 7:24–26). Timeless Principles for Guarding God’s Presence Today • Whole-hearted obedience: “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people.” (Jeremiah 7:23) • Love expressed through keeping Christ’s words: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) • Personal holiness: “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3-4) • Continual repentance: “Do not cast me away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11) • Spirit-led living: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Practical Rhythms that Welcome His Glory • Daily Scripture intake—letting His Word dwell richly in us (Colossians 3:16). • Honest confession the moment sin is recognized (1 John 1:7-9). • Worship that is both reverent and joyful—privately and with the gathered church (Hebrews 10:25). • Service motivated by love, not duty (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Guarding our “inner temple” from hidden idols—anything treasured above God (1 Corinthians 3:16). • Deliberate nearness: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) Promises to Anchor Our Confidence • God dwells permanently in His people: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Christ’s abiding presence to the end: “…surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) • The Spirit seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). • Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Keep short accounts with sin, walk in the light, and His glory—unlike in Ezekiel’s day—will not depart but will shine ever brighter through us. |
    |