Articles
Glory Of God and the People of God
Glory Of God and the People of God
When Solomon dedicated the temple, the glory of God came and filled the temple. Now, since the people have defiled the temple, the glory of God departs: “Then the glory of the Lord departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim” (Ezekiel 10:18).
This was part of the punishment of the people and was followed by the very destruction of the temple. Many more of the people are dragged off into captivity to join men like Ezekiel and Daniel. There they will live out their lives as most of them would not survive the 70 years of captivity. They would only have the memory of the glory of God in the temple.
Yet, God doesn’t leave the nation without hope as He does promise a restoration (Ezek. 11:14-20). They would be gathered from the countries to which they were scattered. Then, they would be given one heart and a new spirit (11:19). They would then walk in God’s law and they would be God’s people.
With the coming of Christ, God gathers His people from all nations. This gathering included not only the Jews who had been scattered throughout the world, but the gentiles of whatever nation (Matt. 28:18-19). This calling of people in Christ is ‘to the praise of the glory of His grace” (Eph. 1:6). Those who hope in Christ are ‘to the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12). They will be redeemed as God’s own possession to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:14). Though they are both Jews and gentiles, they are made to be one new man in Christ (Eph. 2:15). They are now citizens in a new commonwealth of God (Eph. 2:12, 15). God would again dwell in them as they themselves are built together unto the temple of the Lord (Eph. 2:21-22) In this new temple God would be glorified (Eph. 3:21). At the end, the church will be presented to Himself in all her glory (5:27).
The glory of the LORD departed the temple because of the people’s unfaithfulness. A new temple will come that will be constructed not out of wood and stone, but by people who are faithful unto the LORD.
Such new temple and people of God is a long time off. First, they will be scattered into exile! There they will remain until a new generation arises. Now, it has arrived in Christ. Those who are being saved are added daily. Those that believe and are baptized are translated into the kingdom of God’s dear son (Col. 1:13). Are you part of God’s temple where He is to glorified?
Hugh DeLong
