“When the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their vile images and detestable idols. And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God. But as for those who long for vile images and detestable idols, I will repay them fully for their sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” [Ezekiel 11.18-21]
All through the Bible the message is consistent: people rebel and God brings them back to Himself - people are exiled and God rescues them. This is the message of salvation - the message of Christ. However, in Christ, it is different - the Spirit of God is imparted to His people through the work of Jesus and a tender responsive heart is the result.
Ezekiel's prophecy above is more far-reaching than just an end to Babylonian exile! No doubt, there is implication here of the work of the Holy Spirit imparted by Jesus! A time of true repentance was to come - a time when hearts would be transformed and lives would be genuinely changed.
Father, I believe Jesus is the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy above. Let my stony and stubborn heart be replaced with one that is tender and responsive so that I am obedient and compliant to You and Your will in every circumstance!
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