How can we prepare our hearts to be filled with God's glory? Ezekiel’s Vision—A Personal Invitation “Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43:5) If the Lord once filled a physical structure with His radiance, He is ready to fill living temples—believers—today (1 Corinthians 6:19). A Pattern for Preparation The verse gives a simple, orderly movement: the Spirit lifts, the worshiper enters the inner court, and the glory fills. Each part hints at a step we can take. Yield to the Spirit’s Lift • Invite His leading daily; the Spirit alone enables real intimacy with God (Romans 8:14). • Refuse self-effort; trust the Spirit to raise vision above routine or distraction (Zechariah 4:6). Choose the Inner Court—Intentional Proximity • Guard time for focused, undistracted communion (Matthew 6:6). • Set apart a physical or mental “inner court” where the Lord’s presence takes priority. Purify the Temple • Confess and forsake sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Allow the Word to wash the heart (Ephesians 5:26). • Echo Psalm 24:3-4—clean hands and a pure heart position the soul for glory. Walk in Consecrated Obedience • Align conduct with holiness: “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). • Obedience signals love for Christ and invites His self-disclosure (John 14:21). Overflow in Worship • Glory filled Solomon’s temple when praise rose (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). • Celebrate His character aloud; God is “enthroned upon the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3). • Let thanksgiving replace complaint (Philippians 2:14-15; 4:6). Stay Continually Filled • “Be filled with the Spirit” is a present imperative—keep on being filled (Ephesians 5:18-19). • Renew mind and heart through regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:11). • Fellowship with other believers; shared devotion stirs ongoing passion (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Resulting Radiance A heart prepared by the Spirit, cleansed by repentance, anchored in obedience, and lifted in worship becomes a living sanctuary where God’s glory dwells and shines outward (Matthew 5:16). |
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