Monday April 18th, 2016 Ezekiel 37:15-28
I will save them?and will cleanse them. Then they shall be my people and I will be their God. (verse 23)
Most people have some idea of how human beings are supposed to live. Perfectionists among us are keenly aware of it. The writer of Ezekiel was very aware of Israel’s past. It had been anything but perfect. Division and idol worship had been a big part of their troubled history. It had cost them dearly, according to the book’s author.
Anyone who has lived long enough will have a trail of memories that are less than stellar. Ask an adult to make two lists, one of things you like about yourself and the other of things you don’t like about yourself, and for many the list of dislikes will be easier to come up with and longer. Why is that? That’s the area where many have become experts. What are we to do with such thinking?
The writer of Ezekiel lists some of the past that has caused Israel such grief. He does not do it to tell them how badly they mucked it up; they know that already. He tells them so they can envision a new reality as God’s people. It breathes life and hope in us as well.
God of hope, bless us with renewed vision this day. Amen. — RB
Contributed by Where to find a brighter future?
Most people have some idea of how human beings are supposed to live. Perfectionists among us are keenly aware of it. The writer of Ezekiel was very aware of Israel's past. It had been anything but perfect. Division and idol worship had been a big part of their troubled history. It had cost them dearly, according to the book's author.
Anyone who has lived long enough will have a trail of memories that are less than stellar. Ask an adult to make two lists, one of things you like about yourself and the other of things you don't like about yourself, and for many the list of dislikes will be easier to come up with and longer. Why is that? That's the area where many have become experts. What are we to do with such thinking?
The writer of Ezekiel lists some of the past that has caused Israel such grief. He does not do it to tell them how badly they mucked it up; they know that already. He tells them so they can envision a new reality as God's people. It breathes life and hope in us as well.
