Restoration and a promise. Exile and a hole in a wall. There’s a lot happening in Ezekiel 11 and 12! But what exactly does it all mean?
At this time, the Israelites were living a life marked by sin and corruption. Even though they had a promise from God, they couldn’t receive it because they were distant from the Lord (Ezekiel 11:15).
As I reread this story, it’s amazing that even when they were unable to take hold of what was the promise, God still walked beside them (v.16). Despite their sin and rebellion, in Ezekiel 11:19, God gives His people a new promise: He would ultimately bring them back from where they were scattered. In place of their shame and mistakes, He would give them a new heart and spirit.
“I will give them integrity of heart and put a new spirit within them.” —Ezekiel 11:19
Hearts of stone aren’t easily changed. This was the kind of transformation that only God could do. Before the transformation, there was an exile (Ezekiel 12:11–12). Even as believers, I think we all would prefer to skip over the pain of our mistakes and go straight to the good stuff. But God knew His people would finally recognize Him as Lord not in the good times, but in their captivity (Ezekiel 12:15).
I’m not sure about you, but I’ve made a lot of mistakes.
I’ve said and done things I wish I could take back, and I haven’t always been an example of Christ’s love to the people around me. I’ve desired, worked, and strived for things that were outside of God’s plan.
As sinful humans, our hearts often desire things that are not of God. But as we’re learning in Ezekiel, we can’t allow our heart and feelings to be our guide. When we wander off the path God has for us, He will often use what we experience to draw us closer to Himself.
Yet regardless of the mistakes we make, God’s promises still hold true. Forgiveness, hope, and a life of purpose are still available through His name. Are you or someone you know feeling distant from God’s presence and plan? The promises of God are still available to you.
This Lenten season, ask Him to give you a renewed heart and sense of His Spirit. It’s never too late, and you are never too far gone to start again.
This is beautiful. I have been feeling exiled lately. Things have been hard. I spent the last 5 days, in another state, with my almost 80 year old dad in the hospital. Although stressful and scary, I feel that God is restoring our family members – and me! There were no amazing words of proclamation, just love. My dad has COPD and requiring surgery was scary for all of us. My husband and I prayed for a gift of time. God not only answered but it seems that it will be quality time. He can breath much better. I have been desiring a “retreat” where I can spend time in Gods word. He gave me just that.
Ezekiel 11:19 “I will give them integrity of heart and put a new spirit within them.” What a beautiful verse. 20″They will be my people, and i will be their God.” I am so thankful that He is my God. Matthew 13:16-17 “Blessed are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see the things you see but didn’t see them, to hear the things you hear but didn’t hear them.” Please Lord let my eyes see what you want me to see and to hear what you would have me hear. Cleanse my heart Lord.
SRT staff, thank you for the explanations in the study book, the overview of Ezekiel’s different visions and their meanings. Prayers for all the needs needing lifting.
God is always on time. I don’t feel distance from HIM. I know HE is with me. I too, have found myself desiring and striving for things that are most likely not in God’s plan. They are not bad things but as I’ve strived and desired I know deep down in my heart it’s not in it HIS plan. I rather be in HIS Will rather than mine. Even if it hurts. Because it does.
‘Integrity of heart.’ I want to carry that within my heart and soul as I walk through my days.
What a beautiful study today ♥️
What was asked of Ezekiel required strength, discipline, and obedience. He did not let his heart or feelings guide him. Rather, he stayed committed to fulfill the plans God had for him. May I walk with the same confidence!
I always forgot to acknowledge that God answer every question accordingly and He didn’t leave anything unanswered. I can apply that to my daily life to know I can ask God questions that isn’t based in unfaithfulness or to demean Gods entity. I love the fulfillment promise