This section of Ezekiel is actually pretty uplifting. Ezekiel has a beautiful vision of a future where God has cleansed people from their sin and David (or a descendant of David?) will be there King and Shepherd. I think he's talking about us...
They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. (37:23-24)
But in the more immediate future he assures the people that they will indeed be restored to their home...and more than that, they will be restored in their relationship to God....
When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 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.” (39:27-29)
Beginning in chapter 40 Ezekiel describes in great detail how the city of Jerusalem will be rebuilt. He goes on to describe the temple and the worship that will take place there. This was in the 25th year of their 70 years of captivity (40:1). I find myself thinking about Nehemiah and how he eventually led many of the Israelites back to Jerusalem to begin the hard and dangerous work of rebuilding. I think he must have had the prophecy of Ezekiel in his mind and heart as he took on the massive task of leading the people through this endeavor.
No comments:
Post a Comment