How can we recognize God's presence in our lives like Ezekiel did? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 8:4 “And there I saw the glory of the God of Israel, like the vision I had seen in the plain.” Ezekiel, a captive in Babylon, suddenly stands in the temple courts by the Spirit’s power (8:3). In that moment he recognizes the same dazzling glory he had witnessed earlier (1:28). The vision is unmistakable, overwhelming, and absolutely real. God has broken into exile with His literal, holy presence. The Same God in Our Story • Malachi 3:6—“Because I, the LORD, do not change…” • Hebrews 13:8—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The glory Ezekiel saw is not locked in the sixth century B.C. The unchanging Lord still reveals Himself—though the means may differ from a temple vision. Primary Ways We Recognize His Presence Today 1. The Written Word • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Whenever Scripture burns in our hearts, God is drawing near (Luke 24:32). 2. The Indwelling Spirit • Romans 8:16—“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” • Conviction (John 16:8), guidance (Romans 8:14), and inward assurance all signal His active presence. 3. Creation’s Testimony • Psalm 19:1—“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” • The same glory Ezekiel saw now echoes in sunrise, thunder, and the microscopic order of a cell. 4. Providential Care • Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28—seemingly random events converge for our good and His glory. • Doors open, doors close, timing aligns—those patterns point to a personal, involved God. 5. Corporate Worship • Matthew 18:20—“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” • Singing truth, sharing bread and cup, hearing the preached Word—He moves among His people. 6. Holy Transformation • 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of being “transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” • Growth in love, purity, and steadfastness is evidence that the glorious One is at work within. Cultivating Spiritual Sensitivity • Daily Engagement with Scripture—let the authoritative Word set the tone for every decision. • Ongoing Confession—sin dulls spiritual sight; repentance clears the lens (1 John 1:9). • Stillness and Listening—Elijah heard the Lord in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). Silence makes room for recognition. • Worship and Thanksgiving—praise magnifies what we might otherwise overlook. • Obedient Response—Ezekiel spoke and acted exactly as commanded (Ezekiel 11:25). Obedience keeps the connection unclogged. Guardrails Against Counterfeits • 1 John 4:1—test every spirit; true manifestations align with Scripture and exalt Christ. • Humility—Ezekiel fell facedown before glory (1:28). True encounters humble, never inflate. • Fruit—real presence produces love, joy, peace, and the rest of Galatians 5:22-23. Living in the Light of His Glory God’s glory once filled a temple; now it fills believing hearts (Colossians 1:27). As we open His Word, heed His Spirit, marvel at His creation, trust His providence, gather with His people, and walk in obedience, we learn to recognize the same glorious Presence Ezekiel saw—no less real, no less holy, and no less near. |
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