Eze.41:1-26, Let us see and be like Jesus(Temple Vision 5).

Eze.41:1-26, Let us see and be like Jesus(Temple Vision 5).

 The new temple God shows Ezekiel represents Jesus. It also speaks of the church on earth and our believers. We must strive to become a holy and beautiful temple that reflects God's holiness and allows us to continue our faith training until we reach the full measure of faith.

1. The outer wall of the inner court:
 41:6, When building the inner ledges, the outer wall between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place was not breached. God's dignity cannot be challenged by any external force (1Kings6:7).

2. The doors and their width becomes narrower
 The temple is designed to be easily accessible to all. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior is a child of God and can attain eternal life (John 3:16). They can approach God. Jesus Christ alone is the only door and way to salvation(John10:1,7,14:6).
 41:23, The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place each have their own door. No one can approach God except through Christ, the door of the sheep(John10:7).
*The width of the gates is reduced—the vestibule leading into the sanctuary is 16 cubits(40:48), the vestibule leading into the sanctuary is 10 cubits(41:2), and the gate leading into the Most Holy Place is 6 cubits(41:3). The width from the vestibule of the sanctuary to the door of the Most Holy Place narrows. As you approach the Most Holy Place from the sanctuary, access becomes less easy. Holiness increases. Ezekiel entered and saw the sanctuary(41:1), but he(Jesus Christ?) entered the Most Holy Place alone, which he later explained(3). The Holy of holies was the most holy place, and only the high priest could enter it once a year, on the Day of Atonement. However, today, having received the atonement of the cross, we can enter the Most Holy Place without restriction and commune with God, because the distinction between the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place has disappeared. When Jesus died, the veil between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (representing Jesus' physical body) was torn from top to bottom(Mt.27:51). Heb.10:20 states that we can now boldly approach God through the blood of Christ. Heb.4:16 states that anyone can approach the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. The throne of grace is located above the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, the mercy seat, where God's presence resides.

3. Stairs leading to the temple: The path from the outside to the outer court, from the outer court to the inner court, and from the inner court to the temple(the holy place and the most holy place) requires a staircase. Seven, eight, and ten steps are required, respectively, for a total of 25 steps to reach the temple. We too must cultivate piety through the Word and prayer every day, discarding the elementary foundations of faith and reaching maturity. We must cultivate a mature attitude of daily drawing near to the holy God. Drawing near to the Lord is a blessing (Ps.73:18). 2Peter3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be glory both now and to the day of eternity." 41:7, "For the side rooms all around the temple were wider at each successive level. The structure surrounding the temple was built in ascending stages, so that the rooms widened as one went upward. A stairway went up from the lowest floor to the top floor through the middle floor." The fact that the side rooms increased in size as they rose in height demonstrates that as one's faith deepens and matures, one's character becomes more noble and dignified. Phil.3:10-16. We must press toward the goal.

4. An Wooden Altar (22): "The table before the Lord"
 The incense altar in the sanctuary? - The meaning of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Does it function as both the table of the Presence and the altar of incense?

5. Boards (18-19)
 Carved with cherubim and palm trees. The cherubim symbolize the glory, holiness, sanctity, and protection of heaven. The palm trees symbolize the victory, glory, and prosperity of the earth. The cherubim have two faces: one is the face of a man, representing reason and wisdom, and the other is the face of a young lion, representing strength and courage. They are facing the palm tree. This signifies that Christ, whom the new temple symbolizes, will triumph over the forces of evil with wisdom and power together with His people. The engraving of the two together shows that God in heaven and the saints on earth will unite in holiness and achieve victory and glory (Rev.21:2-3).

*Lessons
1) Let us all be thankful that we can humbly approach God, our Creator. Those who are not humble cannot approach God (James4:10).
2) Jesus sacrificed his life as a ransom for us, breaking down the barrier between God and us sinners. The way has been opened for us to approach God without fear or hesitation. Let us praise the great grace of Christ, our Redeemer(Col.3:15).

*Prayer:
 God of love and restoration, thank you for allowing me to see the glorious vision of the ruined temple and our restoration through today's message. Just as each part of this temple testifies to Your holiness and perfection, I pray that my life too may be built as a beautiful and perfect temple in Your sight.

 I meditate on the Most Holy Place and the Holy of Holies and pray. Like the Most Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, built to precise measurements, I pray that my heart may be purified according to Your holiness and righteousness. Please make it a holy space where I serve only You, free from the filth and sin of the world. May my thoughts, heart, and all my actions be worthy of Your sight.

I meditate on the cherubim and palm trees in the temple and pray. Just as the cherubim and palm trees carved on the wall symbolize Your presence and vitality, may Your eternal life fill my life. May I stand firm, confident in Your victory, even amidst all difficulties and adversity. May every moment of my life become more like You, a testimony to Your glory.

I pray to the Lord who restores what is broken. Lord, who rebuilds the fallen temple of Israel, please restore my shattered faith and spirituality at this very moment. May my life be firmly established through Your Word. May Your glory shine through me once again, and may the fallen church and the souls of this land return to You. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.