Blessing on Israel: Correction, not Destruction

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 36:1-15

 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

(NKJV)

 

It has been said that Christianity is one generation away from extinction. The Book of Judges illustrates the tumultuous history of the nation of Israel and what happens when a new generation arises that does not know the Lord (Judges 2:7-10). However, the nation of Israel is still God’s people and the nation through which the Messiah will be born. During the time of Ezekiel, Israel and Judah were in exile, an exile that lasted 70 years, coming to an end. Ezekiel 36:1-15 is a word of encouragement to the exiles, reminding them that God intends to return them to their land.

 

The Lord commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the mountains of Israel (Ezekiel 36:1). The reason for the prophecy is that the enemies occupying Israel believe the land is their possession (Ezekiel 36:2). These enemies have made the land desolate and swallowed it up, causing Israel to be slandered by the other nations (Ezekiel 36:3). This word is to let Israel know that the Lord is speaking in His burning jealousy against these nations, and is the purpose for the word of the Lord Ezekiel is going to speak (Ezekiel 36:4-5).

 

The Lord speaks out in Jealousy because the nation of Israel has borne the shame of the nations, promising Israel that He will raise His hand in an oath, causing these nations to bear their own shame (Ezekiel 36:6-7). While these nations bear their own shame, the mountains of Israel shall shoot forth with branches yielding fruit for God’s people returning to the land (Ezekiel 36:8).

 

The Lord promises He is for them and will turn towards them with the land tilled and sown (Ezekiel 36:9). Men will multiply in the land with the cities inhabited, and ruins rebuilt, making Israel better than before so they will know the Lord God is God (Ezekiel 36:10-11). The people of Israel will once again walk on the land and be fruitful (Ezekiel 36:12).

 

The accusations against Israel that they devour men, bereaving Israel of children will end (Ezekiel 36:13-14). Israel will no longer hear the taunts of the nations nor the reproach of people. The nation will not stumble anymore, says the Lord (Ezekiel 36:15).     

 

The people of Israel, including Ezekiel, are in exile and experiencing disappointment. Many exiles may have believed the situation was hopeless, even though the reason for their exile was in accordance with Deuteronomy 28:15-68. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied that the exile would only last 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10). This word of the Lord through Ezekiel is a confirmation to a disappointed and hopeless people in exile that they would return to their land. We also know Micah had prophesied Messiah would come from Israel in the town of Bethlehem, something not possible with the people of Israel in exile (Micah 5:2). Therefore, God will return His people to their land so the Prophecy about the length of the exile and the birth of Messiah can be fulfilled.

 

Like the people of Israel, the people of the Church live in exile in a fallen world. Even Jesus reminds us we will have trouble in this world, but also promises Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church. The rock upon which the Church stands and why the gates of hell will not prevail against it is Peter’s proclamation of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:15-16). The true Church, the Church standing on the proclamation of Peter, will prevail, but through persecution, tribulation, and trouble. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 promises that those in Christ who have died, along with those alive in Christ, will be caught up and meet the Lord in the air. This is a promise to the Church that its exile in a fallen world will end with the Church forever being with the Lord. Like the comforting words of the Lord to Ezekiel for the Jewish exiles, these words are a comfort to the Church.

 

If you are reading this and unsure if you are ready to meet the Lord in the air to live with Him for eternity, I invite you to make a profession of faith like Peter. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that anyone expressing a heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ shall be saved. I invite you to pray with me and make this profession of faith.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church that teaches the Bible and follow through with baptism as a public confession of your faith in Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.