Our scripture today is Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV).
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Back in 1980 Christian singer/songwriter Keith Green sang “So You Want to Go Back to Egypt”, a kind of comical look at human desire and our lack of trust in God. As Moses led them into the desert, the newly freed people began to complain about the harsh conditions, saying they were better off back in Egypt. If they lost their faith when times were bad, how would they maintain it when times are good? This is exactly what happened during the Exile – things had been good for them but they wanted more. They aspired to be powerful among the nations around them, which led to all sorts of awful practices. God sends them back to Egypt spiritually and to Babylon physically in a reversal of coming to the Promised Land. However, in this verse He promises that we can be forgiven and renewed when we repent.
Heavenly Father, we need You in our lives in good times and bad. Help us to share Your love no matter our circumstances and welcome the repentant back to Your presence. Amen.
