“Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east…And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭43:1-2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The Eastern Gate, also known as the Golden Gate and the Beautiful Gate, is the Gate through which the promised Messiah will return. Yet today, the Gate is sealed and blocked off. No one can enter by way of the Eastern Gate. Even though the Eastern Gate that stands in Israel today is not the same Eastern Gate of the above passage, we can be certain that not only will His glory inhabit the earth, but His glory WILL have a permanent resting place on earth – and, it rests within each of us. 

The first time I gazed upon the beauty of the Eastern Gate, which has been sealed for over 500 years, I was filled with wonder. I understand why my Pastor’s wife, Syble, said it was her favorite place in the land. It is grand in splendor. And when my King comes to reign on the earth, I can’t help but wonder if He’ll just walk through it or if the rocks will just simply bow down. 

I have no idea of course, but the sealed Eastern Gate is a stark reminder to me that there are obstacles to His glory taking up residence in all of me. Worry and doubt crowd Him out. Fear takes up a place reserved for Him, and busyness blocks the entrance to my heart. Yet, whatever the obstacles, He can and He will overcome them. 

In Ezekiel 44, Adonai issues a promise to those who are faithful to Him – they have a place and a position! 

““But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood,” says the Lord God. “They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭44:15-16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Because of Yeshua, my heart is now a resting place for the presence of G-d through the gift of the Holy Spirit. His glory fills my life, and one day, His glory will fill the whole earth. And when it does, I will be there. May He find me faithful until the end.

Father – thank You for making a way for me. Thank You for Your Son and the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Crowd out darkness in my life. Silence confusion and perfect Your love so fear has no place. Keep me close to You, hidden safely away until the time comes. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 43-44

September 10, 2022