In Ezekiel 43:10-11, God commands the prophet to share the vision of the temple with His people, saying, “Describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins.” This might seem strange at first—why would the description of something as beautiful as God’s temple cause shame? The answer lies in what the temple represents. In its perfection, holiness, and divine order, the temple was a physical reminder of God’s standards for His people. It was a blueprint not only for worship but for life—a life that Israel had strayed from.

The vision of the temple in Ezekiel contrasts sharply with Israel’s disobedience, idolatry, and neglect of their covenant with God. They had defiled the first temple with their sin, and as a result, it was destroyed. Now, as Ezekiel presents the plan for a new, perfect temple, the people are confronted with how far they’ve fallen from God’s design. In that moment, the shame they feel isn’t meant to be a crushing weight of guilt—it’s a pathway to repentance. God isn’t showing them the temple to condemn them but to lead them back into right relationship with Him.

For us, this principle still holds. When we come face-to-face with God’s standards, His holiness, and His perfect design for our lives, it can often bring a sense of shame. We realize how much we’ve fallen short, how we’ve allowed sin or neglect to creep into our lives. But just like with Israel, God doesn’t reveal this to condemn us. He reveals it to call us back to Him. The shame we feel is not the end; it’s the beginning of healing and restoration. In our brokenness, God invites us into something better—a life aligned with His will, full of grace, forgiveness, and transformation.

When we encounter God’s perfect plan—whether through Scripture, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or even the example of others living out their faith—it can bring a mixture of emotions. We may feel unworthy or ashamed of where we are. But take heart: God reveals these things because He loves us and wants to restore us. Just as He promised Israel a new temple and a fresh start, He offers us newness in Christ. The shame we feel is not a burden to carry but a catalyst for turning back to God. In Him, we find forgiveness, restoration, and the power to live as He intended.