Ezekiel and Revelation

In the early chapters of Ezekiel, the prophet sees the Temple profaned and the glory of Yahweh depart from the Temple. The Temple is filled with idol worship and with unfaithful spiritual leaders of Judah and Jerusalem. The disgusting picture that we see in Ezekiel is reflected in much of the professing-church today, we are exchanging the glory of God for the glory of fallen man, not seeking and receiving “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3) but rather “accumulating for ourselves teachers in accordance with our own desires.”

In Revelation chapters two and three, we see Christ walking in the midst of the seven candlestick-churches, warning them of judgment, warning them that if they do not repent that their candlesticks will be removed. It is encouraging that there are faithful disciples in these churches, a reminder that God maintains a remnant.

Since Peter writes (1 Peter 4:17) that, “…judgement begins at the household of God…” it seems logical that God’s judgements in Revelation begin in the church.

And yet, in both Ezekiel and Revelation we have wonderful hope, for we see God’s glorious purpose fulfilled in His Son and in His Temple in the final eight chapters of Ezekiel and the final two chapters of Revelation.  In these passages we witness the perfection of God’s people, the Bride of Christ, the Body of Christ – in Jesus Christ.

“…Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:25 – 27).

Yes, Christ will cleanse His Church, He will judge it and purify it, and He will cast out all unclean things. Yes, as Haggai writes, God will shake all things in the heavens and on the earth – so that those things which cannot be shaken will remain. Those things that remain will be revealed to be those things which are rooted and grounded in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, showing forth His light and His glory.

In the midst of the present chaos, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith – for Christ has a glorious outcome planned for those who are faithful to Him, to His Word, and to His People.