Sun.’s Devo - The Prince

Read: Ezekiel 45:13-46:24; 1 Peter 1:13-2:10; Psalm 119:33-48; Proverbs 28:11 The vision that was give to Ezekiel is still a mystery today as it was physically impossible to be literal. Today we read about the tax to be given to the prince, the yearly sacrifices, how to celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. *** The eastern gateway was to be opened only to the prince on the Sabbath and on the new moon celebrations. He would enter from the outside and stand by the gatepost while the priests offer the burnt offering and the peace offering. He would bow in worship then leave the way he came. The people could also bow in worship before this gateway on these days. *** On the Sabbath and the new moon, the prince would present a burnt offering and a grain offering. Again, the prince would leave the way he came. But the people must come in one gate - either north or south entrance and leave in the opposite direction. The prince represents Christ and he is perfect. He doesn’t worship to change who he is. We are not perfect, so we should never leave worship the way we came in. Worship should change us and we should walk out a renewed person. Verse 10 says that the prince will leave with the people. How awesome is that! *** When the prince gives a gift of land to one of his servants, it is returned to him in the Year of Jubilee. But, if he gives a gift to one of his sons, the gift is permanent. We are his sons and daughters and the gifts the Lord give to us are eternal. *** Ezekiel was shown where the priests cook the meat for the guilt and sin offerings and the kitchens used to boil the sacrifices offered by the people. *** In Peter’s first letter he told them to prepare their minds to walk in holiness. We are his witnesses of who he is and he is holy. We are to live in reverence of God who paid the price with the blood of his son for our salvation and saved us from sin. We show our love for him by loving one another. We should crave purity. *** Christ is the cornerstone and we are stones built on him. We are the priests of his Temple who offer spiritual sacrifices that please the Lord. *** Lord, may our lives show your goodness and grace. Thank you for accepting us into your family and having mercy on us. May we be your witnesses to the world of your kindness and grace.