“Changed”

 

BIBLE READING: Ezekiel 46-48


“When the prince enters, he shall enter by the vestibule of the gate, and he shall go out by the same way. "When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate: no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead. When they enter, the prince shall enter with them, and when they go out, he shall go out.” -Ezekiel 46:8-10

            In the vision Ezekiel received, God stressed that both the prince and common people were to leave the Temple area from a different gate than they entered. According to a traditional interpretation, God was saying that leaving through a different gate demonstrated that they had been changed by their encounter with Him. They were different than when they entered His presence.

This provides a perfect picture of what should happen when we spend time with God. We should never leave the same. We should be like Moses who was changed so dramatically that he had to cover his face with a veil (Exodus 34:29-35). That is what can happen to us when we are in His presence.

Yet many people do not have this expectation or experience. They leave His presence without any significant changes. They carry the same burdens. They are plagued with the same problems. They still worry or are filled with fear. They have no more insights into His Word. They do not have victory, peace, or joy.

Today, make sure that you spend time alone with God. And don’t be content with a few short moments, or shallow prayers. Seek a more intimate relationship with Him. Tell Him every burden you carry. Share your deepest fears and feelings. Ask Him for help and discernment. Seek understanding about His Word. Worship Him. Allow Him to teach you. He loves you and longs to transform your life.

                                                                                                                        -Selected

 

 

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