God's Dwelling

Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

In the midst of judgment, lament, exile, and grief, Ezekiel experiences a future vision of the glory of God returning to the Temple that’s just a pile of rocks at the time of Ezekiel’s writing. It’s a vivid promise of the return of the divine presence that departed from the Temple in Ezekiel 10. The prophet sees God’s glory entering in from the east, and hears God declare: “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. I will live among the Israelites forever” (Ezek. 43:7). God is telling Ezekiel that His intention and deepest desire is to physically dwell among His people.

This vision follows earlier visions of a restored temple (Ezekiel 40) and the promise of a Spirit-filled heart that reveals God’s presence (Ezekiel 36). Putting it all together we find a blueprint for the future; fulfilled not in a constructed building, but in the person of Jesus, who came later to clarify: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Jesus is the true meeting place between heaven and earth. More than that, through His Spirit, we have individually and collectively gained access to the presence of the Living God. We have become that dwelling following Pentecost (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Humanity’s exile is over. The glory has returned. And one day soon, when all things are finished, the full vision Ezekiel glimpsed will be realized when we see Jesus face to face.

Devotional Prompts:

In what ways does the return of God’s glory to the temple in Ezekiel 43 reshape how you understand Jesus as the ultimate “dwelling place” of God among us?
What would it look like for your daily life to reflect the truth that you are now a temple of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer: Lord of glory, You have never stopped pursuing Your people. Thank You for making Your home among us through Jesus. Fill us with Your presence today, that our lives might become a sanctuary of praise. Amen.