Ezekiel 10:18: “Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim.”

December 5th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Ezekiel’s vision, which began in chapter 8, again included God’s throne. The first part of this vision is very much like the one that took place in the first chapter of Ezekiel. But the second part describes God’s visible presence leaving the temple of Jerusalem. This was disturbing because it made it clear that God’s presence was conditional. The Hebrews had become used to the idea that His presence was with them and that He was always on their side. But now they were confronted with the reality that the presence of the Lord was officially vacating the premises of the temple.

Israel had moved a long way from the glory days, when they had first dedicated Solomon’s temple and the Lord had filled it so strongly with His tangible presence that the priests fell down. It is not uncommon today to meet people who claim to be believers because of something that happened to them years or even decades ago. Because they once had some kind of an encounter with God (like they felt something in a church service), they think He is still with them, in spite of the decidedly ungodly lifestyle they have lived ever since. Apathy puts many to sleep because they fail to seek a personal relationship with the living God. Pastor Warren Wiersbe explains it this way:

Emerson [an American writer and philosopher] said that if the stars came out only once a year, everyone would stay up all night to behold them. We have seen the stars so often that we don’t bother to look at them anymore. We have grown accustomed to our blessings.

“LORD, we do not want to become apathetic in our relationship with You. We implore You to invade our every word and deed today. By Your Spirit, keep us fresh and alive in You.”