Day 255: Ezekiel 46-48

I am so glad that worship is not as rigid and "strict" as it was in chapter 46. I think some people still cling to this somewhat by wanting old-style ritualistic worship services...as if somehow God will only find worship acceptable if done in a particular way. They are so much more concerned with externals than internals.

I love the ending of this book! And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.

Here is the conclusion from my notes:

The book of Ezekiel begins by describing the holiness of God that Israel had despised and ignored. As a result, God's presence departed from the temple, the city and the people. The book ends with a detailed version of the new temple, the new city and the new people-all demonstrating God's holiness. The pressures of everyday life may persuade us to focus on the here and now and thus forget God. That is why worship is so important; it takes our eyes off our current worries, gives us a glimpse of God's holiness, and allows us to look toward his future kingdom. God's presence makes everything glorious, and worship brings us into his presence.

Thanks Zeke....well done.