November 23- Following Rituals With Joy

November 23, 2011

Scripture Reading:
Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:13-2:10;
Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 28:11

Ezekiel 45:13-46:24

As we read this passage in Ezekiel we continue to peak through the window of the future into the reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem. Just as David led his kingdom in worship back in the pinnacle of Israel's strength as a nation, the prince in the millennial kingdom of Christ will lead the people in daily ritual sacrifice. The Sabbath will be honored without fail and the years of jubilee will exemplify the nation's restoration and reconciliation through Christ. The Passover and Festival of Shelters will be celebrated. The Passover Lamb (Jesus) and the Tabernacle himself (Christ) will shelter his people on earth. Those who love God will be in his presence and worship him in the flesh.

The prince will rule, and the priests will serve the people, as Christ helps Israel to get it right this time around.

God reconciles His people to Himself as His story winds down. This is pleasing to God, who chose Abraham and decided to bless the world through this man's offspring. God is faithful and true.

1 Peter 1:13-2:10

Peter calls the Jewish believers and all believers to look forward to the day when Jesus Christ will return to earth. With this in mind, people are to live holy lives that reflect their understanding that God judges people with impartiality. We should also be mindful that Jesus paid a ransom for us, not of gold, but of his own blood.

Not only this, God raised Jesus from the dead, which gives all believers faith and hope for the future.  With sins having been cleansed, we are free to love one another sincerely and intensely. Believers have been born again into a new life that will last forever.

As a result, believers should leave behind malicious behavior and be done with jealousy, backstabbing, and hypocrisy. Come and embrace Christ, who is the living cornerstone of the temple of God. God is building a spiritual temple in which He will dwell that is founded on the cornerstone of Christ.  Believers are a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. God's people are designed to show others the goodness of God.

Do you think of yourself as a priest to the world?  Do you feel part of God's earthly living temple, where He dwells?

Psalm 119:33-48

The psalmist is asking God to do a variety of things like teach him, give him, make him, reassure him, turn his eyes.  If God will act, then the psalmist can obey and honor God with obedience.

Proverbs 28:11

It is true that rich people think that their wealth makes them wise. Many organizations assume that rich people are wise. That is why rich people are constantly on the boards of earthly organizations. God does not see things that way.

What are you seeing?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton