December 3, 2006 - Ezekiel 45-46 and I John 2
This passage in Ezekiel focuses on the worship in the new Temple. I have always been puzzled at why the Lord would have a Temple and go back to having sacrifices in the time of the Millennium, since Jesus died for our sins once and for all. However, I think God showed me why several years ago. The Jewish people need to be shown how all of the sacrifices pointed to Jesus, and how He was the fulfillment of all of the sacrifices. I believe that is one of the reasons the Lord calls for one lamb to be sacrificed each day in the Temple. (46:15) It will be a constant reminder that Jesus is the only way and that the Jews should have seen this when He came the first time. It will also be a strong testimony for the other people of the world who come to Jerusalem to worship. They will see the totality of God's revelation of Himself to us through the ages, and how He paid it all for our sins through Jesus.
II John gives us a clear view of our standing before God under the New Covenant. He lets us know that we do not need a human priest because Jesus is our Advocate. (v.1) When we come to Christ, it will be evident because we will keep God's commands and love each other. (v.3,10) It is not simply that we will cease be a part of this world, but we will not love this world or the things of this world. (v.15) Our love is for the Lord and the things of the Lord, because we have His anointing, the Holy Spirit. (v.27) The anointing will not allow us to deny Christ and follow the Antichrist. We are set free to practice righteousness. Isn't that the fulfillment of the Old Covenant relationship with God? Now, we have every advantage to walk with God and keep His commandments. We can be in harmony with Him, preparing for the day when we will be with Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 47-48 and I John 3.
II John gives us a clear view of our standing before God under the New Covenant. He lets us know that we do not need a human priest because Jesus is our Advocate. (v.1) When we come to Christ, it will be evident because we will keep God's commands and love each other. (v.3,10) It is not simply that we will cease be a part of this world, but we will not love this world or the things of this world. (v.15) Our love is for the Lord and the things of the Lord, because we have His anointing, the Holy Spirit. (v.27) The anointing will not allow us to deny Christ and follow the Antichrist. We are set free to practice righteousness. Isn't that the fulfillment of the Old Covenant relationship with God? Now, we have every advantage to walk with God and keep His commandments. We can be in harmony with Him, preparing for the day when we will be with Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 47-48 and I John 3.