Thursday, August 16, 2012

God's glory displayed in judgment




And the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.
Ezekiel 10:4

This is a continuation of the same vision that began to be recounted in chapter nine. It began with a tour of the temple in which Ezekiel witnessed scene after scene of pagan idolatry in the temple and its courts. Now that same place is filling up with the brightness of the glory of the Lord. But this is not the same way in which God's glory had filled the temple in the past. The reason for this display is that God is preparing to unleash His judgment on the city of Jerusalem.

So in a very clear, very descriptive way, we are shown that God is sovereign and that He is to be worshiped even in the outpouring of His judgment. God is majestic in the display of His justice. He will not tolerate sin or the rejection of His truth. He will display His glory in judgment.

We may not be comfortable with this fact, but it is a revelation from God about Himself that we must accept. God is great and God is always holy and just. His displays of mercy and grace are great. His actions of justice and judgment are great and good as well. His glory is known in them. This realization brings balance to worship and a healthy respect for the exclusive holiness of God.

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