Today's Reading:O.T. - Ezekiel 34 - 36
N.T. - 1 Peter 2:1-12
Focus Verses: Ezekiel 36:33-36
33 " 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. 35 They will say, "This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited." 36 Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the LORD have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.' "
Insight:
Though most of Ezekiel's message is harsh and threatening, the promise of God's desire to rebuild and renew his people does come through. God looks beyond judgment to the day when he would cleanse his people from all their sins--a day of redemption and restoration. God's power to restore is so unlimited, that he can take a wasteland and turn it into a garden like Eden.
Response and Action:
I recognize my need for God's redemptive and saving work in my life. I will look to God for salvation, to be cleansed of my sin. I will be responsive to God and allow him to cultivate the soil of my heart and plant his truth in me. I will look to God for the direction, wisdom, and strength needed to build my life. Only God has the power and wisdom to build my character, my family, my work, my home, my community, my church, and my world.
O God, unless you are the builder of my life, all my labor is in vain. Show me your ways; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. My hope is in you all day long. When I fall down, lift me up. When I am broken, build me up. Strengthen me and uphold me as I surrender my life completely to your saving and redemptive hand. Amen.
Proverbs: 2:6
"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Resources:
Rebuilding Your Broken World
by Gordon MacDonald
