Day 10

The Promise of Israel’s Restoration

from the Ezekiel: Come to Life (Lent 2022) reading plan


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.

Post Comments (71)

71 thoughts on "The Promise of Israel’s Restoration"

  1. Jamie T says:

    Another thing I find extremely important in Ezekiel is following God’s plan even when it is hard or others disagree. God told Ezekiel that people would not listen to him. We have to be able to discern God’s plans without judgment.

  2. Michelle Patire says:

    Oops I meant Matthew 13:16-17!

  3. Michelle Patire says:

    Gosh. This study has been keeping me humble. God is showing me through this study and this season that I truly am not righteous in my own strength. I realize I can be just like these men, who say, “This prophecy is for a distant time in the future.” I often believe that about His second coming. “The world is bad, but it could be much worse,” I think to myself. I don’t think we’re there yet. But who am I to say that? This could all go down very quickly. The Lord brought to mind Matthew 24, where Jesus says the days of days of the end will be shortened for the sake of the elect.

    I read all of Matthew 24. The end could be near. I’m reminded to keep plowing, tilling, sowing, and watering. Stay faithful. Thank God for Matthew 12:16-17 that says we are blessed for our eyes and ears to see and know Him today! God, forgive me for my unbelief and help me stay in your love. I echo the prayer at the end, please renew my heart every day. Every moment. Thank you.

  4. Bri Tieperman says:

    ❤️

  5. Dorothy says:

    Father, give me “a renewed heart and sense of” Your Spirit not just in this Lenten season but now and forever and ever!!! Bring my heart, soul, mind and spirit to focus on You in all that I do. When, not if, I stray, I know I will, refocus me to You and all that You have done. Lord I know I would be no where and no one without You. Allow me to know Your will and to follow it. Remind me when I start to falter that You are there to help me.
    Father, You know the needs of my sisters in Christ, watch over them. Watch over Finley and Monica and Chad and the medical staff tomorrow as she goes through yet another surgery. Be with all of the family, her sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles as the wait patiently to hear that the surgery went fine. Father, we are in a world of turmoil and war watch over us be with those suffering.
    Lord, God most of all let Your will be done in our lives, guide us to Your ways. In Jesus name, Amen.
    Sisters be blessed and remember you have a renewed heart for the Lord if you let Him in.

  6. Mercy says:

    When in captivity, you don’t have ownership over anything, everything will be stripped off, taken away. Life in exile poses tremendous lack, if not a big crisis. In captivity/exile, truly people will be humbled, brought low, and shall return to God. May I learn this lesson and seek God before any kind of captivity hits. When we are with God, though surrendering ownership to HIM, He still allows us free will, He still blesses us with the desires of our hearts, with His good plan to prosper us, increase us, with the abundant life He promises, with the invitation to cast our cares upon Him and He will carry the burden for us, and give us rest. Though His training hurts, His trials hurt, but never as bad as captivity. May we choose God all day and every day.

    @ Rebecca: praying for your son Brett for healing over the mental illness and your other children to come back to the Lord.
    @Rhonda J : praying for your sister to know Jesus, your nieces and nephews to return to the Lord’s ways, may God heal your dad and cancel the lung cancer diagnosis.
    @ Heidi praying for your family situation.

  7. Jennifer Urena says:

    Great reminder today that God’s grace is still available and God’s promises are still all true.

  8. MARTHA HIX says:

    Thank you @Searching for including me in those you were praying for yesterday. It was a tender day for my heart, feeling the loss of my husband and missing having him to share about life with, asking questions about how to repair something, receiving his wisdom about various subjects… I miss him being here. Some days are just harder and you made it better for me reading you were praying for me. I really had a sense of God letting me know that he sees me with your affirmation of praying for me. Thank you all for your many prayers. I likewise am praying for your requests. ❤️

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