Today, I am reading and commenting on  Ezekiel 44-45.

My lovely wife married me 22 years ago on the 23rd of this month.  So I am going to wish her Happy Anniversary every day from now until then.

Happy Anniversary, Darling!

Usually, when I read this passage I do not know what to make of it.  My understanding of the New Testament says that Jesus has expanded the priesthood to all Believers, which diminishes the significance of chapter 44, and eliminated the sacrifices by sacrificing Himself, which diminishes the significance of chapter 45.  However, today I was struck by the way in which Ezekiel condemned the people of Israel as he begins his prophecy concerning the restored temple.  Once more Ezekiel condemns them for doing detestable things.  This time he also condemns them for failing to carry out their duties regarding God’s holy things.  Instead, they brought in outsiders, people who did not worship God at all, to take care of these things.  To me this sounds like a condemnation of those who outsource God’s command to care for our neighbor to the government, or some secular charity, instead of working with our fellow Believers to provide that care.  Ezekiel writes of the Israelites putting those who were uncircumcised in both flesh and heart in charge of God’s temple.  In much the same way, many Believers today  seek ever more government programs to help those who are unable to care for themselves rather than seeking for the Church to step up and implement solutions.

I use the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.