This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Once again I will yield to the plea of the house of Israel and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep.” Ezekiel 36:37
With the surrender of Jerusalem to the Babylonian army, Judah was wiped off the face of the earth and there was a Jewish nation no longer. Ezekiel, a young man training for the priesthood, was taken into exile far away from his homeland.
Ezekiel expected to grow old following in the footsteps of his father, living comfortably and successfully. At the time he should be starting his career, it all ends. Then God calls Ezekiel to be a prophet. He sees God in all His majesty, all-seeing and all-knowing. In comparison he saw his people’s sin in all its darkness, worshiping false gods, relying on earthly power for sustenance and protection rather than keeping themselves Holy and set apart.
God’s covenant with Abraham was the birth of the Jewish nation. Ezekiel speaks this promise once again. God will reestablish His covenant and His people will survive and prosper. The people have a responsibility to live Holy and Righteous lives. Disobedience, idolatry, begets judgement and punishment, but God will forgive and restore.
There is absolutely nothing God cannot, will not, forgive. He is NOT a giving up God! He can be your sole protector and sustainer. He hasn’t changed and man hasn’t either. We still need God and God alone.
Love,
Gretchen