Wed.’s Devo - Measuring the Temple

Read: Ezekiel 40:28-41:26; James 4:1-17; Psalm 118:19-29; Proverbs 28:3-5 Ezekiel was taken to watch as the man measured the inner courtyard, and the eastern and northern gateways which were the same as the other gateways. He was shown the side rooms with tables for slaughtering the sacrificial animals. *** In the inner courtyard were two rooms facing each other. One faced south and other other faced north. These rooms were where the priests changed their clothes. The inner courtyard was 175’ square. *** Then the man took Ezekiel to the sanctuary where the walls were 3.5’ thick and the entrance was 10.5’wide. The walls were 12.25’ thick and 12.25’ long and 10.5’wide. This sanctuary was the Holy of Holies. The Most Holy Place outside this room was 35’ by 35’ with rooms along the outside wall. Each room was 7’wide. They were built in three levels, with 30 rooms one each side. Each level was wider than the one below with a stairway leading to the different levels. *** The Temple was built on a terrace 10.5’ high with outer walls 8.5’ thick. There was an opening in the middle of the rooms that was 35’square. The doors of the rooms opened into this terrace yard. ** A large building stood on the west facing the Temple. The Temple had a courtyard which measured 175’ all around it. The inner walls of the Temple were decorated with carvings of cherubim, palm trees and the living creatures. It was to make the people feel they were entering into the Garden of Eden. *** In the Most Holy Place was an altar of wood and Ezekiel was told that it was the table that stand in the Lord’s presence. The doors into the Most Holy Place and the Holy of Holies had double swinging doors. Both were decorated with cherubim and palm trees. *** James dealt with their evil desires which led to envy, strife and discontent. He called them adulterers because they wanted things of the world above the things of God. God said he will give much grace to those who are humble and repentant. *** James warned us not to speak evil against each other or to criticize or judge. Instead, we are to obey God’s Word and do what it says. *** Lord, we put our plans in your hands and ask you to guide our every step. May we walk in your ways and please you. May our lips sing of your praise and trust in you.