The Inner Court

“The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner courtyard. […] He brought me into the inner courtyard of the LORD’S house.” – Ezekiel 8:3, 16 NASB

The temple was central to Ezekiel’s ministry and the messages God asked him to deliver. He lived after the first temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and a cornerstone of his prophecy was the vision God showed him about the temple (Ezekiel 40-44).

One focus was the temple’s inner court, mentioned sixteen times in his book. In his vision as he entered the inner court, Ezekiel fell on his face. Not able to boast about his own skills and abilities, he recognized that God was holy, righteous, and all powerful. Then as he surrendered to Him, the “glory of the LORD came into the temple” (Ezekiel 43:4-5 NKJV).

The inner court symbolizes a personal relationship with God. It’s the kind of relationship He wants with each of us, so we may not just know about Him but know Him personally, being conscious of His holiness and surrendering to Him.

In this place of intimacy, our lives are transformed. We experience the fullness of His presence and power. His promises come alive. Our eyes are opened to greater insights.

Many Christians never enter this inner court. They stay outside, content with a superficial relationship with God. They allow their lives to be controlled by the flesh instead of the Spirit. They cherish the things of this world rather than the things of God.

Seek a more intimate relationship with God. He longs to fellowship with you.

Reflection Question: What do you need to lay aside to have an intimate relationship with God?