Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

Day 214

October 26, 2025 • Aneel Aranha • Season 3 • Episode 214

0:00 | 20:32

Explore how God's departing glory in Ezekiel and Jesus' teaching in John 4 challenge us to pursue authentic worship beyond religious ritual and location.

Day 214 – Not This Mountain or That

Ezekiel 10–12
Psalm 83
John 4

What happens when the place you've always met God is suddenly gone? In Ezekiel 10, the prophet watches something no one thought could happen. The glory of the Lord rises from the temple. It pauses at the threshold, moves to the east gate, and then leaves the city altogether. It stops above the mountain to the east. The house the people trusted to keep them safe now stands empty. But in the middle of that loss, God makes a stunning promise to the exiles in Babylon. For a little while, He says, I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone. They could lose the temple, but they couldn't lose God. Psalm 83 is a cry for help from a nation surrounded by enemies. Even there, the psalmist prays that their shame would lead them to seek God's name. Then in John 4, Jesus sits by a well in Samaria and talks with a woman most people would have avoided. She brings up an old argument about the right mountain for worship. Jesus tells her the time has come when true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth. Seen as a whole, these readings reveal that it was never about the mountain. It was always about the heart.

What connects these readings is this. God's presence isn't tied to a building or a mountain. He's looking for people who will worship Him honestly, wherever they happen to be.

How might we walk this out today? Here are three ideas.

First, pick an ordinary place you'll be today. Your kitchen, your car, or your desk. Spend five minutes there singing, praying, or simply thanking God. Let that spot become a sanctuary.

Second, Jesus crossed an old and bitter divide to talk with this woman. Think of someone your community tends to keep at a distance, maybe because of where they're from or what they do. Start a real conversation with them this week. Ask a question, and really listen.

Third, notice that when Jesus got personal, the woman changed the subject to religion. Watch for that in yourself today. If you catch yourself hiding behind an opinion, stop, and answer the question God is really asking you.

As you step into your day, carry this with you. God isn't looking for the right mountain. He's looking for a willing heart.

Thank you for joining me today. May God give you an honest heart, open arms for the outsider, and a deep awareness that He's with you wherever you are. Until tomorrow, worship Him right where you stand.