Show the House to the House

by Sergio Valori

His ministry can be summed up rather simply. He is first caught up in the Spirit to see what God would show him and then commissioned to declare that to God's people.

In most cases, the prophet is not popular, for he has to speak out against conditions which are not acceptable in God's sight, Most people tend to turn away from the true prophetic message, for invariably, it includes a call to repentance.

Throughout the book of Ezekiel, we see the hand of the Lord strongly upon him, giving him clear and unmistakable charges. Much is spoken in this book about the conditions in the Lord's house and his relationship to it.

In Chapter 40 we find such an example, at which time Ezekiel is given a strong command to see, hear and declare. I believe this message is very relevant to our time, since today also, the Lord has very much to say about His house.

A Spiritual or Natural House?

Much controversy and difference of opinion exists about the temple Ezekiel saw in the 40th chapter. Some hold to the view that it was a natural, physical temple to be built in Jerusalem one day. Others believe it is a blue-print of a spiritual edifice which will emerge in the last days. We are among those who hold this view.

There are several reasons for our holding this view. First, we conclude that the waters issuing from this house in Chapter 47 and which bring healing to the nations are surely spiritual waters and not natural. Thus, if the waters are spiritual, then the house must also be spiritual.

Secondly, the entire vision of Chapter 47 is very close to John's vision in Revelation 22, where there is seen a throne, a pure river of water of life, the tree of life yielding fruit and the leaves of the tree being used to bring healing to the nations. All these things are also seen in Ezekiel 47.

It seems logical that if we spiritualize Rev. 22, we must also spiritualize the vision of Ezekiel contained in chapters 40-48.

Note: In both Ezekiel 40-48 and Revelation 21, 22, there appears to be no distinction between the temple and the city. In both passages they appear to be as one. Thus, if the temple-city seen in Revelation 21, 22 is the Bride, the Lamb's wife, then the temple-city described in Ezekiel must also be a spiritual habitation.

Now, what was it that Ezekiel saw and that he was charged to declare to God's people? Let us consider four main aspects of the vision and message.

The Builder of the House

"…and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax [a builder's line (Sept.)] in his hand, and a measuring reed.." (Ez.40-3) The builder of this house is our Lord Jesus. We say this because of what we find in Zech.6:12,13: "Behold the man whose name is the Branch…he shall build the temple of the Lord…and he shall bear the glory." Jesus himself declared, "I will build my church."

This is important, in view of the vast amount of 'building' being undertaken by man today. Many people are caught in the grip of human enterprise and activity, unaware that the builder is not God. It is recorded of Abraham, "…he looked for a city…whose builder and maker is God." (Heb.11:10)

Man builds in the spirit of Babylon, stressing such elements as greatness, outward appearance and self gratification.

What God builds is generally unimpressive to the naked eye, for, like Jesus, it is clothed with humility and unpretentiousness. Man builds with an emphasis on temporal values; God on eternal values. What He builds will not only glorify Him, but will last forever.

The Condition of the Present House

"…shew the house to the house of Israel that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. (Ez.43:10)

By means of vision, Ezekiel was taken to the Lord's house at Jerusalem. There, he was shocked at all the abominations that had been brought into the Lord's house, images designed to generate lust, pictures of pagan deities, worship of the sun and other forms of idolatry. The temple's sanctity had been profaned and the Lord's name adulterated. Because of this, the Lord was forced to remove His glory from the midst of His people.

The same condition is developing in today's 'house', as religious leaders are allowing the spirit and methods of the world to enter into God's house. Many so-called 'houses of God' have become places of entertainment, social clubs, or centers for art and recreation. The awesome presence of God which leads people to repentance is sadly missing.

The Pattern of the Future House

"…and if they be ashamed of all they have done, shew them the form (pattern or design) of the house and the fashion thereof… (Ez.43:11)

Only those who have come to a place of repentance over present conditions will be shown the design of a new house. Those who are satisfied with the present corrupt order will have no part in any new order.

But, without doubt, there will be a new order, a new house for the Lord, a place fit for Him to dwell in with all of His glory! Even as Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple were to be built according to a pattern, there is also a divine pattern for God's future habitation. Paul warned all builders that they build properly, for the 'day of the Lord' will try every man's work. All work will be tested by fire and only the work which can stand the fire will remain, i.e. gold, silver and precious stones. (1Cor. 3:10-15) May God help us to build 'according to the pattern'.

This new house is presently being built by God's select builders, humble, sincere and pure ministries who truly want to glorify the Lord. In its present form, it is small, unknown and unheralded, but it shall grow to impact all peoples and eventually become the New Jerusalem.

The Ministry of The Future House

"…and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house." (Ez.47:1) "…and everything shall live whither the river cometh." (Ez.47:9b)

Even as Ezekiel saw the waters rising and growing until a mighty river was formed, so it will be in the last days. The new spiritual temple will be characterized by "fulness". (Eph.4:13)

In the waters that reached the ankles, then knees and loins, we see first 'beginnings' and then 'increase' until a condition of fulness is reached.

All who concur with this vision must welcome and retain the five-fold ministry of Eph. 4:11 until a full-grown man, a corporate Body has been produced. The present day environment of shallowness and child-play must be dealt with and the Lord must be allowed to work and move in our midst until His new and glorious house becomes a reality.