Saturday, November 10, 2012

Ezekiel 44:1-31

Dear Family,
I love you!
V.9 Thus saith the Lord God: No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.
This verse along with the verses to follow on the ordinances for the priests, suggest this temple description would be appropriate for the time period before Christ's incarnation. After the resurrection Paul declares circumcision is of no spiritual value.
Gal. 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor circumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
It would seem out of context for there to be a physical temple built for the people of God and prohibit blood bought saints who happened to not be circumcised from entering a place of worship. But during the millennial reign, there may be practices of which we many not perceive at this point. Abraham was saved by his faith alone. But he was commanded to be circumcised. Regardless, with the texts I can understand now, I am inclined to believe this temple structure and ordinances were for the Jews to obey before Christ.
There may have also been a preparatory function of this temple ot honor Christ as he entered Jerusalem. But instead, they crucified Christ.
Let us stand in the awe of God's mercy.
Love, Daddy αββα, πατερ , λαλυ