November 18, 2020: Day 88 – Ezekiel 36

We have a hard transition here in this chapter from oracles against Edom and against those who were not the allies of the people of God, to a vision of what things will be when all things will be restored.  And all things will be restored.  We find the grace of God in this chapter front and center.  It would be great to focus in on vs.26-28 where we find the promise that God will give us a new heart and a new spirit.  It will be a heart of flesh as opposed to a heart of stone.  We find this dramatic transition and surgery take place as alluded to us by Jeremiah in 31:33, Deuteronomy 30:1-6 and other places, but this is much more dramatic.

The transformation that takes place within the people of Israel is incited by a recognition of sin (vs.31, 33).  With a recognition of sin comes the opportunity for restoration.  Without that recognition of sin then you find yourself in the same place where you were before that.  Full of sin and without the grace of God to restore you.  

Not only will God restore the towns and the material things but we also find in vs.37 and following that God will allow the people of God to ask for abundance of offspring, to increase their population like a flock.  This definitely happens.  As a result of the towns and the people being restore it will draw people to recognize “Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”  What a fitting way to end this chapter.  But next chapter is one of my favorites.