Ezekiel 36:16-38
Read Ezekiel 36:16-38
Helpful Background Information:
The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book, meaning that God spoke through Ezekiel about future events. The book was written by Ezekiel as he was a prophet in Babylon during the time of the exile. In Ezekiel, there are many prophecies, but chapter 36 is a part of God’s promise to restore Israel and to bless Israel.
Notice how God wants to not only restore His people, but also that the nations would know who He is. In that, He wants everyone to know about His holiness and sovereignty. It is important to remember that the Christians today are not literally God’s nation of Israel, but are mostly made up of what the New Testament calls "gentiles," meaning that they needed to be grafted in (Romans 11:17-18).
In the Old Testament, before Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, God’s people did not live with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them. Verses 25-27 shed some more light on how it was always God’s plan to redeem His people and send the Holy Spirit. Compare these verses with Hebrews 10:22 and its surrounding context.
Reflection Questions:
In this text, we see how God is hurt and His holy name is profaned when His people are disobedient. How has your disobedience come between you and your relationship with the Lord? How did you come to notice that your disobedience did this?
If it was by the merit of mankind that earned God’s grace, there would be no way to receive God’s favor. However, as repeated in verses 22 and 32, we know that God’s restoration was not earned, but brought about by His great love. This is echoed in Romans 5:8. Knowing that it is not by your own effort, how can you live differently in this great love? Who can you show love to that did not earn it from you?
All believers have received the Holy Spirit, as promised in verses 26-27. What role does/should the Holy Spirit play in your daily life according to this passage? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to continue to fill you and change you to look like Jesus?