Our scripture this morning is Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV).
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
The prophet Ezekiel spoke to the children of Israel during their Babylonian captivity. He told them of the sins that had led to this, but also offered them (and us!) a hope for the future. Most well known is the story of the Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37), where God shows how He can make us new by raising dead bones to life again.
God promises “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” This is His way of changing us so that we are able to choose Him for ourselves, not forcing us to bow down. All must make the decision for themselves.
Elsewhere we read “Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh” (Joel 2:28). This is another example of His plan for all His children, not just a select few. It is a reminder of the blessing at Creation and the Covenant with Abraham, that all people will come to know the Lord through the work of His people.
Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on us, no matter how far we have fallen. Bless us to rise from dry existence to productive lives of sharing Your love and Your word with everyone. Amen.
