Who is Jesus #9 (Immanuel cont.)

What if God didn't want to be among us? Bad news -- really bad!
I can think of a time when He withdrew His presence from His people. Read Ezekiel 9:3; 10:4; 10:18-19; 11:22. Ezekiel saw, in his vision, the Glory of the Lord - step by step - gradually being taken away. The Glory of the Lord had presented itself above the mercy seat over the Ark of the Covenant. Ezekiel sees that glory remove itself from there and move to the threshold of the temple. From there it moved to above the cherubim. The last we see is the Glory of the Lord leaving the temple and city entirely and stopping on the mountain east of the city. God was GONE!
This was to symbolize to Ezekiel and the Israelites that God was no longer with them. We know the history here. The nation was taken captive into Babylon for 70 years.
That would be only one of the ramifications/curses of not having God with them. Their beautiful city would be overrun and the temple destroyed.
Life would be different without God. That's the point. I don't want to live without Him! Though I fear Him, I need Him in my life.
He has paved the way for His presence in our lives through the blood of Jesus. Don't be like the nation of Israel and invite Him to leave - for He just might do it.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.