Readings:
Ezekiel 40-42
Philippians 2

Ezekiel 40-42

Ezekiel is taken in spirit, much like he was to the valley of dry bones, and is places on a mountain in Israel while an angel measures the temple and its courtyards.

This could’ve been a vision of the rebuilt temple in the future, after they return from exile. It also could’ve been an image that was to be used as blueprints for the temple. Then the third option is that it’s a prophecy of a future third temple, but that’s a dispensationalist view that the church does not hold to.

I’m of the opinion that it was a glimpse of the yet to be built second temple but, just like most Old Testament prophecies, it contains shadows of messianic prophecies too.

Philippians 2

Saint Paul urges them to get along in one spirit in unity and to do all things with humility and selflessness. He uses Jesus and his life from his coeternal existence in heaven, to his incarnation and life on earth, all the way to death on a cross, as the ultimate example of humility. He set aside his appearance of divinity and all the honors that go with it, to be born a man in a small backwater town in an out of the way puppet kingdom of the Roman Empire. He follows up this example of humility with submitting to his parents in Nazareth and living under their rule, to then live according to the law of Moses and then finally gave himself up freely to die in accordance with the plan of salvation that was the will of the Father. This is pure selflessness and humility through and through. And this is what we are to attempt to emulate in our lives.

Paul tells them to work our their salvation with fear and trembling. This passage gets talked about a lot, but many times it misses the point. This is what Saint Augustine had to say,

When Paul commands them to “work”, he addresses their free will. When he adds “with fear and trembling”, he cautions them against boasting as if their good deeds were their own. If you fear and tremble, you will not boast of your good works, since it is God who works them within you

Saint Augustine

This chapter closes with a word of praise for two of Paul’s lieutenants, Timothy and Epaphroditus. He gives a couple examples of why he trusts them and cherishes their assistance in his work.

Readings:
Ezekiel 43-44
Philippians 3