Introduction
Ezekiel 39:21–29: Chapter 39 concludes the section in the book of Ezekiel that contains oracles pertaining to Israel’s restoration and transformation. To those who had been living in exile, God promises to bring them back to their own land.
Today’s Key Verse: Ezekiel 39:21 GNT
The LORD said, “I will let the nations see my glory and show them how I use my power to carry out my just decisions.”
Read
21 The Lord said, “I will let the nations see my glory and show them how I use my power to carry out my just decisions. 22 The Israelites will know from then on that I am the Lord their God. 23 And the nations will know that the Israelites went into exile because of the sins which they committed against me. I turned away from them and let their enemies defeat them and kill them in battle. 24 I gave them what they deserved for their uncleanness and their wickedness, and I turned away from them.”
25 The Sovereign Lord said, “But now I will be merciful to Jacob’s descendants, the people of Israel, and make them prosperous again. I will protect my holy name. 26 When they are once more living in safety in their own land, with no one to threaten them, they will be able to forget how they were disgraced for having betrayed me. 27 In order to show to the many nations that I am holy, I will bring my people back from all the countries where their enemies live. 28 Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God. They will know this, because I sent them into captivity and now gather them and bring them back into their own land, not leaving even one of them behind. 29 I will pour out my spirit on the people of Israel and never again turn away from them. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken.”
Reflect
Today’s reading provides a summary of Israel’s sinfulness, punishment, exile, and restoration. How does God show mercy to Israel? When and in what ways have you experienced God’s mercy? What does today’s reading teach you about God?
Pray
God of transformation, draw me close to you and restore my life. Take away any bitterness and anger I may be harboring within me so that I may experience the joy of your presence. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Zephaniah 3:1–20: The people’s punishment will come to an end and Jerusalem will be restored.
