I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel. 36:26
Ezekiel prophesied the total destruction of Israel as a consequence of habitual idolatry and profanity toward God. However, God is not a God of abandonment or giving up. With the foretelling of consequences was the continued promise of a loving Savior, whose covenant is eternal for those who pursue Holiness.
The reference to ‘heart’ encompasses the total being. Complete transformation and renewal will occur. Notice this verse does not say ‘restoration.’ The implication that some of the old will remain is misleading and defeating. God removes the destructive old or dead, and makes a new living and vibrant life.
The prophecies of Ezekiel are not limited to the consequences of Israel’s disobedience. They extend to the oppressors too. Wrong decisions lead to difficult situations of abuse and oppression, but that does not mean God approves of those exacting exploitive or abusive behavior. God will renew you and deliver you from all sin that attempts to destroy you, not just your own. This sounds outrageously ambitious, but never underestimate the power of God’s love!
Living Boldly!
Gretchen