Saturday, 28 November 2015

“Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple” (Ezekiel 9:3). 
There is a certain sadness in my heart when I see restaurants, bookstores and antique and furniture stores that obviously used to be churches.  
People of God had sacrificially given to build that structure and had gathered there, joined together in ministry.
Sometimes a cornerstone remains, inscribed with words such as, “Dedicated to the glory of God.” 
Reasons for the change vary, for sure.  
Some churches relocate to new facilities-
– but sometimes the building is empty because the church no longer exists.
The ministry there is over.  
Among the saddest images in my mind is that of a sign in the front yard of a church.
It simply said, “For Sale by Owner.”
The ministry there was going, going, gone. 
Ezekiel describes over a series of three chapters a vision of the glory of God departing from the temple in Jerusalem.  
The glory moved from above the cherubim (9:3),
– to the threshold of the temple (10:4),
– to the east gate (10:19),
– and finally out of the city (11:23).  
It was a slow, sad departure of the glory, unseen except by the prophet. 
Our heart’s desire should be that the Lord’s glory remain in our churches!
That will take more than just wishing.  
It requires staying true and faithful to God and to His Word.  
When we move away from-
– correct interpretation,
– clear teaching,
– careful application and
– commitment to His Word,
– then we move closer to a time in which the glory may leave. 
Be a people of the Book!
Read the Word, learn the Word and live the Word. 
“God, help me and my local church to stay true to Your Word.
May Your glory continue to be proclaimed through me and my church.” 
(PR)