God expressed his fatherly love towards the outcast Israelites – who have heavily paid for their disobedience. The Creator would lighten Israelites burdens and restore them from captivity to their homeland. God said to Ezekiel about Israelites,
“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Although I have cast them far off among the Gentiles, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I shall be a little sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.”’ Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I will gather you from the peoples, assemble you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”’ And they will go there, and they will take away all its detestable things and all its abominations from there. Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:16-19).
Lesson:
God is gracious and merciful; he will not cast off sinners forever, but he will restore them back into his true love. Despite the magnitude of evil that humans have committed, Jehovah still chose to create a redemptive pathway for us! God understands that we are humans made out of dust and we are far from perfection; therefore, he will work with us until we are fully redeemed. Jehovah will forgive our sins and restore us to his perfect love. To achieve this, he sent his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to earth to save the world. Christ would die for the sins of humanity and reconcile us to our Creator! Indeed, Christ achieved this purpose; hence, humanity must express their faith in him to be saved. Anyone seeking redemption from sins must confess Jesus Christ as God’s only divine Son, and accept him as his/her personal Lord and Savior.
Prayer:
Dear God, I understand that I am a stinking sinner who does not deserve anything good from you! However, I humbly come before you today to ask for forgiveness. Please forgive my sins, and cleanse me from my unrighteousness. Grant me redemption and restoration through my faith in your Son Jesus Christ. I declare my faith in Jesus Christ, and I accept him as my personal Lord and Savior. Please write my name in the book of life, and count me worthy to partake in your eternal kingdom. For in the name of Jesus Christ I have made my requests. Amen.
