How should the return of God's glory influence our daily worship practices? The Moment the Glory Came Back “and the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east.” (Ezekiel 43:4) Ezekiel watched the very Presence that had once departed (Ezekiel 10) return in visible splendor. The event was literal, historic, and a preview of God’s ultimate intention—to dwell among His people forever. What happened at that eastern gate shapes every act of worship today. Why a Returned Glory Still Matters • God’s glory filling a dwelling has always marked covenant relationship—Exodus 40:34-35; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14. • In Jesus, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We have seen His glory” (John 1:14). • By the Spirit, believers themselves become “the temple” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Because the same glory Ezekiel witnessed now indwells and surrounds us, worship can never be casual or self-focused. Three Core Responses in Daily Worship 1. Reverent Awe • Hebrews 12:28—“let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” • Approach Scripture, song, prayer, and sacrament conscious that the King of Glory is personally present. 2. Purifying Surrender • Ezekiel saw the temple cleansed before glory returned (Ezekiel 43:10-12). • Daily confession and repentance keep the “gate” of our hearts open (Psalm 24:3-4; 1 John 1:9). • 1 Corinthians 6:20—“Therefore glorify God with your body.” 3. Expectant Joy • Psalm 24:7—“Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of Glory may come in.” • Corporate gatherings become celebrations of a present, reigning Lord, not mere rituals. Practical Ways to Reflect the Glory • Personal Devotion – Start the day acknowledging His indwelling glory; read a passage aloud, letting its truth fill the “temple.” – Keep a gratitude list; thanksgiving magnifies His Presence (Psalm 100:4). • Corporate Worship – Arrive early, prepared, hearts examined, anticipating encounter. – Sing and serve with conscious reference to His holiness, avoiding performance mentality. • Everyday Life as Worship – Work and family interactions become platforms to display His character (Colossians 3:17). – Steward time, money, and speech so they echo Heaven’s values. Guarding the Gate of the Heart Just as the eastern gate was set apart, guard input that dulls sensitivity to His glory—media, conversations, attitudes. Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” Living Temples Bearing an Increasing Glory “And we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Each obedient response to God’s Presence deepens the reflection of His glory in us, turning daily worship into a growing, radiant witness. |
    |