Tuesday, September 29
Read Ezekiel 36
Think About It:
The LORD directs Ezekiel to prophesy to Israel and tell of the difficulties His people will face because they refused to follow Him as their God. But in verses 25-33, He promises to redeem them – to give them a new heart (a softened heart), a new spirit, to give them the land He had promised and to make that land fruitful for them. And God does all this so the heathen all around Israel will know that the LORD builds the ruined places and plants where it’s desolate. He restores us when we return to Him; not only for our own good, but for the power of the testimony we have to influence others, so they see the goodness of God.
Think of some ways you can share with others what God has done for you to help them see how powerful and loving and merciful He has been and wants to be for them. Your testimony is unique – and it is powerful! His kindness leads us to repentance. Romans 2:4 says, “Do the riches of His extraordinary kindness make you take Him for granted and despise Him? Haven’t you experienced how kind and understanding He has been to you? Don’t mistake His tolerance for acceptance. Do you realize that all the wealth of His extravagant kindness is meant to melt your heart and lead you into repentance?” Give Him thanks for His mercy and kindness!
Family Time:
- Things changed for Israel (Mt. Seir/Edom) in verse 6. God gives an oath, or promise. Can you figure out what that is?
- In verses 25-29, God says He will deliver Israel from their sins and give them a new heart. Would they forget all the bad things they had done? (verse 31) How would they feel about the things they had done? (verse 32)
- Why did God bless Israel after all they had done? (verse 38)
- Have you ever done anything bad that you can’t forget? Did you confess, repent and be forgiven? Sometimes we remember things that make us feel bad even after we were forgiven. Like Israel in this chapter, we should use those memories as a reminder of how great our God is to forgive us. It shows how much He loves us. Satan likes to use those memories to make us feel guilty and unforgiven. Don’t listen to him! Use your mistakes to help others understand God’s love and forgiveness. Turn evil into good. (Genesis 50:20)
