“Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. And I fell on my face. As the glory of the LORD entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple. ‘Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my name.’” Ezekiel 43:1-5,7
“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!” Psalm 96:6;95:6
There is something special to me about facing the east in the mornings. Settling in to worship, to pore over God’s word, to listen and learn and express my thanks, I relish watching the eastern sky for the first hints of dawn, the first tinges of light, the slightest changes of hue announcing the day’s ‘glory,’ the sun. While we have no earthly temple today, the biblical descriptions of God’s glory filling the temple remind us of His powerful, perspective-altering, worship-inspiring presence with us when we meet with Him. His voice through Scripture washes and satisfies us, the light of His countenance and guidance adjusts our perspective on all things earthly, His Spirit elevates ours while bringing us low. When we bow in response with a humbled, undivided heart, defilement flees- the holy and profane cannot coexist. (Psalm 86:11)
Father, captivate me, all of me, when I come; and keep me coming to behold You in all Your splendor and glory. Throughout my days, turn my head again and again to the east to remember the glory You infuse in each hour. May my living reflect Your presence in my midst.
As the rain and snow 