I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. – Ezekiel 39:29
It was their sin that caused God to hide His face. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
The Israelites in exile in Babylon, after the fall of Jerusalem and Judah, were in a tough situation. Return and restoration seemed almost impossible. And it is to these people, that Ezekiel first spoke his message of hope and restoration. To them these promises were precious. There was a minor fulfillment in the return from captivity under Ezra and Zerubbabel. The greater and complete restoration still awaits, as the New Testament recognizes (Romans 11:26).
Israel’s restoration would come from a spirit of repentance. They would see all that God did for them and it would humble them considering His generous love. They would see and admit that it was their own sins that sent them into captivity and suffering.
God says He will pour out His Spirit. The restoration was to be complete and permanent. He promises never to hide His face again. With God’s Spirit poured out upon Israel, they would have a relationship with God based on God’s work and grace, not on their own merits.
God can never tolerate sin. But God always loves the sinner. And the extent of God’s love for us sinners is seen in the cross. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal love (John 3:16). God’s love is not limited, but available to anyone who believes. What an amazing God and what amazing love!
Who needs to hear of this amazing love from you, today?
Lord, help me be generous in sharing your wonderful love, I pray.
Extended Reading — Ezekiel 38-39
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