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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You said, “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes. They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob…and David my servant shall be their prince forever” (Ezek 37:24–25). How wonderful to know that your Son, Jesus Christ, is the coming King of Israel. May He rule in my heart today! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me how news of Jerusalem’s destruction finally reached Ezekiel and the exiles (six months later). In response, Ezekiel proclaimed your word concerning five groups of people. First, he spoke of the few Jews who remained in the “waste places” of Israel. Rather than repenting and turning to you, they said, “Abraham was only one man, yet he got possession of the land; but we are many; the land is surely given us to possess” (Ezek 33:24). You told them that you were going to wipe them all out, no matter where they were. This teaches me that I cannot claim your promises while I’m disobeying your commands. Second, he spoke of the exiles who lived with him in Babylon. They listened to what he had to say, but they had no intention of obeying. You told them that they would know a prophet had been among them when everything you said came to pass. This teaches me to respect those who speak your word lest I ignore their message to my own destruction. Third, he spoke of the “shepherds” of your people, the leaders and rulers who had neglected the flock and used their positions to satisfy their own selfish desires. You told them that you would personally come and shepherd your people—the Messiah would feed them and be a prince among them. This teaches me that I will be held accountable for how I lead those under my authority. Fourth, he spoke of Edom, the neighbor of Israel. Instead of mourning what had happened to their brother-nation, they laughed and jeered at the destruction of Jerusalem. You told them that you would pay them back by filling their land with their dead bodies. This teaches me not to take delight in the misfortune of others, especially those who have a right to expect my compassion and support. Fifth, he spoke of the house of Israel, who said of themselves, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off” (Ezek 37:11). You told them that you were able to bring even dead bones back to life. One day you would cleanse them from their sin and restore them to their land. This teaches me that your Kingdom will surely come to pass. I can love you and be a part of it, or I can reject you and be cast aside. The choice is up to me. Reflection The people of Israel brought shame on your name because of their sin, for when you scattered them among the nations, the people said, “These are Yahweh’s people, and yet they had to go out of Yahweh’s land” (Ezek 36:20). Am I bringing shame or honor to your holy name? Request Father, I never want my life to be an embarrassment to you. Help me to live a holy life, a life that will show others the way to the cross. Use me to win the lost for Jesus! Thanksgiving Thank you so much for giving me a “new heart and a new spirit.” You took my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh. I can’t wait to enjoy the “covenant of peace” that you have planned for the future! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “My Shepherd” — Carlos Plummer. Meditation Verse: Ezekiel 34:23. |