How can we prepare our hearts for God's presence like Ezekiel 43:3? Encountering the Weight of His Glory Ezekiel 43:3 sets the tone: “The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when He came to destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the Kebar Canal. And I fell facedown.” When God’s glory draws near, Ezekiel’s first instinct is surrender. Preparing our hearts begins with recognizing that same awesome reality. Respond with Humble Worship – Fall facedown in your spirit, acknowledging His holiness (Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 1:17). – Let reverence replace routine; speak to Him as King, not merely as friend. – Cultivate silence: turn off noise, step away from distraction, allow space to be still before Him (Psalm 46:10). Clean Hands, Pure Heart Psalm 24:3-4 asks, “Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” – Examine motives; invite the Spirit to spotlight hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24). – Confess specifically and immediately—1 John 1:9 promises cleansing. – Receive Christ’s finished work; draw near “with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). Consecrate Daily, Not Occasionally – Like Israel washing garments before Sinai (Exodus 19:10-11), set apart time, mind, and body for Him. – Guard what you watch, read, and say; holiness is practical, not theoretical (1 Peter 1:14-16). – Fast or simplify meals/activities when prompted, reminding your flesh that God is your portion. Stay Expectant and Obedient – Listen for next steps; Ezekiel later receives detailed instructions for the temple (Ezekiel 43:10-12). – Immediate obedience keeps the channel clear (John 14:21). – Keep your eyes on the promise of transformation: “we…contemplate the glory of the Lord, [and] are being transformed into His image” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Live in Ongoing Fellowship – Draw near, and He draws near (James 4:8). – Practice gratitude; thankfulness tunes the heart to notice His presence (Psalm 100:4). – Walk in purity of heart—“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). Preparing our hearts like Ezekiel is not a one-time event but a lifestyle: awe-filled worship, honest confession, daily consecration, prompt obedience, and continual fellowship. As we yield to these rhythms, His glory finds a ready dwelling place within us. |
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