The Promise of Israel’s Restoration
Open Your Bible
Ezekiel 11:14-25, Ezekiel 12:1-28, Psalm 2:1-6, Matthew 13:16-17
BY Abby Flynn
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.
71 thoughts on "The Promise of Israel’s Restoration"
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How great is it that God gives us a new spirit and heart when we don’t deserve it?
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Kelly (Neo), Shaena Elizabeth, and all who continue to pray thank you. Yesterday I came across Romans 8 in my Bible in One Year app and almost cried tears of relief and joy thinking of how great it is to be a child of God because of what Jesus has done. We are not living with shame and condemnation, amen! This reading today was amazing, j read the first part of the chapter of Matthew, Jesus said these words in the selection when people asked Him why He was teaching in parables. Angie and Heidi, praying for your husband and families. GramsieSue , continuing to pray for you and Steve.
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Jennifer Loves Jesus, Amen!!
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Sarah C. Keenan, I watched this last night and it really did break it down into an understandable and cleat overview for those struggling with this challenging yet very important book of Ezekiel. Thanks for sharing the link!
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How sweet is it, that God is the one to give us a new heart. It’s not by our own works or doing but by the power of His Spirit. I find so much rest in this today.
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Don’t you love it (do I, really, tho? :P) when God speaks to the same issue in multiple ways throughout your day? We have talked a lot about idolatry and identifying and rooting them out…I saw a clip yesterday from Matt Chandler (The Village Church in TX) that was quite the sucker punch. He said “All suffering exposes idols that we didn’t know were there. Right now, you, me, all of us, without even knowing it are putting hope in something that can’t bear the weight of it. {It tries to hold up our hope, but it’s tenuous and then a hard circumstance (illness, loss, someone cutting us off on the highway) comes and the whole thing collapses} God says “This is a gracious thing. A Beautiful thing. I am loving you in allowing you to endure this. I’m showing you that you’ve put your hope in things that can’t hold it. And I’m reminding you that I CAN.” (brackets to indicate my paraphrase)
Lord, please show me the places where I am putting my hope in something besides You.
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Praying for all situations and requests dear Shes. I have prayed for many years Ezekiel 36:26 over my family but never read the whole book of Ezekiel. I am learning so much and feeling His presence each day as I spend time with Him. Please pray for my son Brett, as he struggles with mental health,his purpose ,and has turned from God with a hardened heart. My other four children (all adults) were raised to know Jesus, but all five have lost their way and are caught in the lies the world offers. Please lift them all to come to His saving grace. Thank you!!!❤️
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