We're at the beginning of the End Times prophesies.
Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy to the mountains of Israel. I'm assuming that is to include Mt. Zion.
Her enemies have spoken against these mountains and claimed them for themselves. The Lord notes that this has been done for a good cause, which I assume is part of their consequences and chastisement.
But now, the Lord speaks directly to the mountains, hills, valleys, ravines, and all the desolate wasted land, and forsaken cities. He points out that they have become prey to the other nations. He tells them about the judgements against Edom and the nations that have made Israel their prey. This judgement happened out of God's righteous jealousy and wrath. These nations will now endure insults.
Verse 8 is some really good news. These mountains, hills, valleys, ravines, wasted lands, and desolate cities will now bear fruit for the people who will be returning soon.
Is it amazing that God includes wasted things in His redemption? That one of the most comforting thoughts I've every had about the End Times. Wasted effort is one of my biggest pet peeves and God has a plan to redeem it.
For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you will be cultivated and sown. Ezekiel 36:9
Gloria Hallelujah!
Drink that in. He is for them and can turn them and cultivate them. I know we're talking about inanimate land forms; but the land is where it starts. He creates a world for us and provides and protects. That has to be such a relief to think about a world coming where all will be made new again.
behold, I am for you
I could meditate on that phrase for a month.
I will multiply men on you, all the house of Israel, all of it; and the cities will be inhabited and the waste places will be rebuilt. 11 I will multiply on you man and beast; and they will increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited as you were formerly and will treat you better than at the first. Thus you will know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 36:10–11
Sound familiar? Look at pictures of Israel from before 1948 and now. This verse comes to life. The Lord is coming soon! Israel took a barren wasteland and cultivated a breadbasket; both physical food for life, but also technology and inventions. They are thriving , except for the constant attacks from outsiders.
Verse 12 tells us that His people will have this land as an inheritance forever, never again will their children be bereaved or the people be insulted. Hallelujah.
Starting in verse 16 the Lord sends a new message. He wants Ezekiel to remind the captives that when Israel lived on their own land in the past, they defiled it, particularly with idols and bloodshed. He poured out His wrath and scattered them. He judged them. Them been scattered also profaned His name because now other nations were able to mock God for Israel having to leave their own land.
Verse 21 tells us that God has concern for His name. That's interesting. We should take note of that. We might think that God is too big and powerful to care about name-calling; but He does have concern for His name. Don't take that lightly. His name is holy and reflects His character.
Why is this important for the us and the End Times? Because this restoration is coming to clear His name. These promises aren't for Israel's sake, but for His name's sake. It's so easy to forget that. We can, mistaken think, sometimes, that God is a kindly grandpa who's going to make things right in the end just so the story has a nice ending. We can have hope in His promises, but cannot forget the context of those promises. They are for His name's sake.
I need to keep the idea of His name's sake closer to the top of my consciousness. Similarly, praying for things in Jesus' name. Not as an incantation or party trick, but because that's what all of this is about. Not my will, but His will. Not for my glory, but for His. That could be a life-changing habit if I could keep in mind what all of this is about.
And I can honestly say, with no hesitation at all that I have profaned His name, in deed and word and thought. He is my only hope. And it will be for His name's sake that I can stand on that hope.
"...when I prove Myself Holy among you in their sight." A serious threat and promise in the same phrase. This is why fear is the beginning of wisdom. Be afraid, but also, that same conviction can give us hope. He can be counted on to be true to His name, whether that is for better or worse depends on how you are related to Him.
He promises to gather up Israel from the nations and bring them home, cleanse them from their filthiness, and give them a new heart and Spirit, as well as new flesh. By His Spirit, they (we) will walk worthy.
Did I mention Hallelujah?!!?!?
They (we) will live in the land and He will be our God and we will be His people.
Makes me want to cry just considering it. I am so grateful to live on the times when believers get to have His Spirit indwell us, so we have a part of that promise. And He is sanctifying me, which is such a relief. But I am so excited for the time when I am fully incorruptible and walking in all of His statutes.
He promises to provide for us fully and protects us completely.
He does say that we will remember our sins and loathe ourselves, which is already true for me. I'm guessing it will be infinitely worse to watch the whole video and see all of my unrighteousness. Sounds truly terrible. Again, all of the promises are for His name's sake; not because we earned it. Just the opposite.
‘Thus says the Lord God, “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places will be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of being a desolation in the sight of everyone who passes by. 35 They will say, ‘This desolate land has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste, desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations that are left round about you will know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted that which was desolate; I, the Lord, have spoken and will do it.” Ezekiel 36: 33–36.
Great summary of the whole chapter.
He closes the message reiterating that He will refill the the land like a giant flock. And we will all know that He is God.
Amen.