22 August 2020

Then he brought me to the gate, the gate facing east.
And there, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east;
the sound was like the sound of mighty waters;
and the earth shone with his glory.
From Ezekiel 43: 1-7 (NRSV)

Those who are following this each day may remember that a few days ago (Wednesday 12th), we heard Ezekiel describe a vision in which the glory of the Lord departed Jerusalem – heading out from the east gate. Today, we come to the conclusions of our readings from Ezekiel’s writings and, fittingly, it ends on a note of hope. The glory that left Jerusalem is returning – and shedding its light not only on city and on Israel but over the whole of the world.

• • What might the return of the glory of the Lord look like?
  • Where do you catch glimpses of God’s glory in the world?

Give thanks today for the work of people like Ezekiel – who often put their reputations and their lives on the line to speak God’s words. Pray for those in our own day who continue this ministry of warning when necessary but also raising people’s sights to the promises God lays before them.