From: November 21, 2014
God revealed His purpose for describing a future temple to Ezekiel (referred to here as “Son of man”). Ezekiel’s temple has never been built. Solomon built the first, which was destroyed by the Babylonians, as Ezekiel’s prophecy predicted. Zerubbabel built the second, which was enlarged by Herod the Great, but destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Ezekiel’s temple is sometimes called the “Third Temple,” or the “Millennial Temple.” Depending on one’s eschatology, some would see it as describing a spiritual temple fulfilled by the church. Others would see a literal fulfillment in the last days or during the Millennial kingdom. Regardless, Ezekiel was to describe it, so that the people of Israel would be “ashamed of all their sins.” Shame is an appropriate response to sin. Yet, there is a hardening of the heart which reduces shame to a dull tickling and then a complete denial. Ezekiel was to describe God’s future temple and returning glory, so that their hearts would feel shame, turning to God in repentance for forgiveness and salvation.
From: November 21, 2013
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. For those who know “Bible Drill,” it is near the center (excluding notes and concordance), which is helpful. It is an acrostic, with each stanza beginning with one of the 22 Hebrew letters in the alphabet (aleph, beth, gimel…). It uses many synonyms to describe God’s Word and is a celebration and praise of it. Above, you will notice it uses “statutes” and “word.” It seems appropriate that at the very center, the longest chapter in the Word, would be about, for, and in celebration of the Word.
From: November 21, 2012
From the longest chapter in the Bible, found at the very center of the Book, this Psalm is an acrostic poem that spells out the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 119 celebrates God’s Word. Verse 11 reminds us of the importance of “hiding” the Word in our hearts through memorization. It also offers the benefit of such, by showing us how Scripture can help us resist sin. Wasn’t that the battle plan of Jesus vs. Satan in Matt. 4? Christ quoted Scripture to every Satanic temptation. Are you hiding God’s Word in your heart?
From: November 21, 2011
In this day of Google search and multiple translations, we still need to memorize Scripture. It’s the best way to “hide” God’s Word in your heart. Memorizing and meditating on the Word overwrites the old hard drive with a new operating system.