August 18

Ezekiel 10:1-13:23

God is gone! This may sound like some click bait article on the internet, but it actually happened to the people of Judah. Ezekiel was given a vision of God's glory leaving the temple in Jerusalem. God was enthroned over the ark of the covenant (in some sense) within the temple, but on one fateful day before the destruction of Jerusalem, he is seen to move from the temple to the edge of the temple, to the gates to the east of the temple, and finally to the mountains east of Jerusalem. The amazing thing is these mountains to the east of Jerusalem (specifically the Mount of Olives) is where we are told Jesus will return. God's glory left the temple, but God never leaves his people.

His presence is most clearly experienced in the person of Jesus and through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Therefore, we can claim the promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us. While we await Jesus' return and the ultimate culmination of his presence when on the new earth, "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God (Revelation 21:3)."

Father God, thank you that you are with me. Help me to live with the confidence that comes from knowing you and being with you. Amen.

How can you express an attitude of gratefulness and thankfulness for God's presence?

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