Ezekiel 43:1-5: a reflection

1Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looks toward the east. 2Behold, 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 was illuminated with his glory. 3It was like the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city; and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face. 4The LORD’s glory came into the house by the way of the gate which faces toward the east. 5The Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the LORD’s glory filled the house.

Earlier in Ezekiel's visions, he had watched the grievous departure of God's glory from the defiled temple. Now, in this passage, he sees something that must have filled him with joy: the glory of the God of Israel returning, coming from the east, his voice like the sound of many waters, the earth shining with his glory. The presence that had departed because of sin is coming home. The Spirit brings Ezekiel into the inner court, and he sees the glory of the Lord fill the house once more.

This is a vision of restoration, of God's presence returning to dwell among his people. The glory that had left is not gone forever; God intends to come back and make his home with them again. And the manner of his coming is overwhelming, his voice like rushing waters, his glory lighting up the earth, so that Ezekiel falls on his face in awe. The return of God's presence is not a small thing; it is the greatest hope his people could have.

The whole story of Scripture moves toward this: God returning to dwell with his people, his glory filling his house. What Ezekiel saw in vision, God accomplishes in Christ, who came to dwell among us, and by the Spirit makes his home in his people, and who will one day fill the new creation with his glory. If you have known seasons when God's presence seemed to depart, take hope from Ezekiel's vision. God's deepest desire is to dwell with his people, and his glory is coming to fill his house. Long for his presence, and welcome the God who returns.

Lord, Ezekiel had watched your glory depart, and now he saw it return, filling your house, his voice like many waters, the earth shining with your glory. Thank you that your deepest desire is to dwell with your people, and that in Christ and by your Spirit you have made your home among us. When your presence seems distant, give me hope of your return. Come, and fill your house, and fill me, with your glory. Amen.