In verse 1, Ezekiel keeps time in terms of years after the fall of Jerusalem. Usually, our lives are altered by a very traumatic event. The falling of the temple was the most tragic event in Israel’s history. After 14 years, God gave Ezekiel a powerful vision of the city of God. He sends his angel to give Ezekiel a personal tour of his new city and temple. The temple in the city of God is far greater than one built by Solomon. It reveals God’s true hope to restore all of creation to worship him perfectly in his kingdom. We need this heavenly vision of God’s holy city in our hearts to overcome the tragedies and despair that envelope us in this world of sin and death. Do you have a vision of God’s kingdom guiding you with a living hope? (1 Pe 1:3,4)

Ezekiel sees the outer courts, then the inner courts, then preparation rooms for the sacrifices, and the rooms for the priests. Finally, he lays his eyes on the restored temple, and it was greater than he dreamed or imagined. The angel measured all the dimensions to give him a detailed understanding of the heavenly temple. This vision gives Ezekiel full confidence that God has planned it and will do it. There is no reason left to despair. In God, we have real hope to be restored to worship him in all his majesty and glory.
Application: Father, thank you for giving me real hope to worship you in your holy city.
One Word: A hope to worship God in his holy city