God calls the remnant of Israel on their wickedness and confronts them with their fears in hopes that they change their ways. Ezekiel asks if any will be saved, and God finally gives a little hope…
“They will return to [Israel] and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. 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. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.” vv. 18-20
If only it ended there. In my Bible, the next word is “But.” God says that if they stay tied to their vile images, He will destroy them (summed up). Ezekiel’s vision (which started in chapter 8) ends, and he shares everything with the remnant of Israel.
Two things jump out – first, Ezekiel is a faithful guy. He is devoted to Israel, weeping over the lost and begging God to save some. He is more so devoted to God, being faithful to carry out his job – share the message with the remnant. Ezekiel is not talked about enough in churches. He is an excellent role model of faithfulness.
Second, when God gives you a chance, take it! Yes, He is a gracious God, but He is also a just God. If you keep turning Him down, He will not take pity on you come judgment day. DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOD’S GRACE!
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