Ezekiel 43 reminds me of the moment my bride entered the church and began walking down the aisle toward me while I stood at the altar. All the planning and preparation and expense disappeared and I was very aware that this was a once in a lifetime moment. It was very personal in a very public place. In today’s chapter Ezekiel is finishing his angelic tour of the Temple, when he realizes it is Move-In day for the Lord. He is brought to the east gate, “and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east“. God is likely veiled because he describes the sound and radiance. Ezekiel “fell facedown” aware of the solemnity of the moment. “Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple“. God said “yes”, but the ceremony is yet to take place. The story continues, “He said: ‘Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever’“. God made the proposal. And Ezekiel is reminded he is to take the pictures to show the people, “describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins… its arrangement, its exits and entrances its whole design and all its regulations and laws“. My own wedding vows were very specific, and my friends and family gathered to be witnesses to remind me of my promise.
Next Ezekiel describes the Great Altar, giving dimensions and orientation, but most importantly the purpose. As detailed in Leviticus, the altar was the place of atonement, the place where the damage of sin is displayed and then covered. It was a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the mercy of God. This is the place where fellowship with God follows after the penalty is paid. First the Burnt Offering requires blood of the sacrificed animal to be splashed on the side of the altar, and then the whole thing is burnt completely, symbolizing our need to give our whole life to God. “So purify the altar and make atonement“. Please know that you cannot make atonement by good deeds, a sacrifice is required.
Separately there is a sin offering. Leviticus chapter 2 tells us this is “when anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commandments…“. Ezekiel to told, “Offer a young bull and a ram from the flock, both without defect… offer them before the Lord“. The Altar is dedicated in a special way, “seven days they are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; thus they will dedicate it“. Much like a honeymoon, this time and activity sets the foundation for the next stage. Finally we see an amazing picture of what follows dedication. “From the eighth day on, the priests are to present your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar“. This fellowship offering is also called the Peace Offering. It must follow the others and it is the only one divided between God, the Priest and the family. It is important to note that it does not make peace with god, but is done to ENJOY peace with God. Friend, if your life is lacking peace, maybe you need to invite the Prince of Peace in. He is the “Once and for all sacrifice” upon whom we build true and lasting fellowship. The final words of the chapter read, “Then I will accept you“. Knowing that God accepts you, allows you to start enjoying every relationship more fully.