Guest Randy Rosso discusses the book of Ezekiel and the promises made to Abraham. They explore the exile of Judah, living according to God's story, and the promise of restoration and blessing. They also touch on God's mercy, sin awareness, spreading the good news, and the importance of worshiping God.
God promises to restore His people, bless them abundantly, cleanse them, and put His Spirit within them.
Realizing our unworthiness should drive us to confess our sins, align our lives with God's will, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Deep dives
The Problem: Reversal of Blessings
The passage highlights how the people of Israel have experienced a reversal of blessings promised to them by God. Instead of being a great nation, they are scattered and weak. Instead of enjoying the land, they are in exile. And instead of being a blessing to the nations, they have profaned God's name through their sin and idolatry.
The Promise: Restoration and Blessing
God promises to restore His people and bless them abundantly. He will gather them from the nations, cleanse them from their impurities, and renew their hearts and spirits. He will put His Spirit within them, enabling them to walk in obedience and fulfill His statutes. They will dwell in the land, be His people, and He will be their God.
The Purpose: God's Glory and Love
The purpose of God's actions is rooted in His holiness and glory. He desires to vindicate His name, which has been profaned among the nations. He acts not for the Israelites' sake, but for His own name's sake. In addition, God's love for the world and His desire for the nations to know Him are driving factors behind His actions. He acts for His glory and the ultimate good of His people.
The Prescription: Spirit-Filled Obedience and Proclamation
The gospel should lead us to spirit-filled obedience, repentance, and renewal. Realizing our unworthiness should drive us to confess our sins, align our lives with God's will, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation. Additionally, the good news of God's grace and glory should motivate us to proclaim it to others, to share the gospel and make God's name known among all nations.