“As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure its pattern and they will be ashamed of all that they have done.” Ezekiel 43:10-11a HCSB
How many times have we heard the words, “You should be ashamed of yourself” from our parents or said these words to our children? Every child at some point has done something that is not pleasing to his or her parents. We have all done things that have caused us to feel shame. As children of God, we have disappointed Him by our behavior and have willingly gone against His Word and direction. Sometimes we have participated in shameful behavior that only God knows about.
The people considered the temple to be the dwelling place of God. Jesus referred to the temple as “My Father’s house” in John 2:16. King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed Solomon’s temple. The temple was in ruins and this seemed to a crippling blow to the spirit of the people of Israel. When the people heard the proclamation of Ezekiel about how the temple would be restored, they felt sorrow for how they had failed God.
Challenge: God continues to love us and provide for us even when we do not deserve it. We should all be ashamed of how we have broken God’s laws and rebelled against our loving Heavenly Father. Pray for forgiveness and thank Him for His love for you and for His timeless faithfulness to restore you to a right relationship with Him.