The Departure of Glory
Ezekiel's vision in Chapter 10 captures a moment of heartbreaking significance—the departure of God's glory from the temple. The imagery in this chapter, with the burning coals, moving wheels, and cherubim, is not merely symbolic but a stark reality of judgment upon a people who refused to trust in the Lord. The temple, once filled with His presence, is left desolate, a reminder that without God's presence, even the most sacred structures are empty.
God’s glory departing from the temple was not an arbitrary act of wrath but a necessary consequence of Israel’s persistent rebellion. The temple was never meant to be a mere monument; it was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people. But when they turned away from Him, trusting in rituals rather than in Him, He allowed them to experience the outcome of their choices. This echoes Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37–38, where He grieves over their unwillingness to come to Him, leading to their house being left desolate.
Yet, for those who are in Christ, the departure of God’s glory from a building is no longer a concern. We, as believers, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Unlike Israel, who lost His manifest presence, we are permanently indwelt by His Spirit. He will never depart from those who are His. What a contrast! While Ezekiel saw the glory leave, we are assured that in Christ, the glory has come to dwell within us forever.
Practical Application
God’s presence is our true security. The Israelites trusted in the temple itself rather than in the One who made it holy. Today, we must remember that no church building, tradition, or ritual can replace intimate fellowship with Christ, who lives in us.
Judgment begins when we push God away. The glory of God did not leave suddenly; Israel had long resisted Him. In our own lives, when we quench the Spirit, we may not “lose” His presence, but we can grieve Him and miss out on the fullness of life in Him.
Christ in us is our eternal glory. Unlike in Ezekiel’s day, where God’s presence departed, Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). No sin, failure, or hardship can remove the indwelling life of Christ in us.
A Parable of an Abandoned Lighthouse
A grand lighthouse once stood on a rocky shore, guiding ships to safety. Its light was maintained by skilled keepers who kept the flames burning. But over time, the caretakers grew complacent, assuming the lighthouse itself was enough. They stopped tending the flame, trusting in the structure rather than in the light it was meant to shine. Eventually, the fire died out, and though the lighthouse remained, it was useless—no longer a beacon, but a hollow tower.
Israel had the temple, but without God’s presence, it was just a building. Likewise, we can have all the right religious forms, but without yielding to Christ’s indwelling life, we miss the very essence of our faith. The good news? For those in Christ, the flame never dies—His Spirit burns within, leading, guiding, and illuminating our path.
Closing Prayer
Father, we rejoice that Your glory is not confined to a building but dwells within us through Christ. You have made us Your temple, never to be abandoned or left desolate. We rest in the security of Your indwelling Spirit, knowing that Your presence is our true dwelling place. May our lives shine with the reality of Your glory, reflecting the light of Christ in all we do. Amen.
Final Thought
The departure of God’s glory from the temple was devastating, but in Christ, we have been given something far greater—His permanent presence within us. May we never take this reality for granted, but instead, walk in the light of His indwelling life every moment.