A Renewed Spirit and Heart

O. T. #1876  "A Renewed Spirit and Heart"

Feb. 8, 2021

Ezekiel 11-Part 4

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. (verse 16)

LET IT GLOW

Are you weak and worried? We need to accept our circumstances just as they are, for God is sovereign over everything. Are you analyzing and planning, wearing yourself out? Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day. By focusing on Jesus, we allow His Peace and Presence shine upon us. The best way to get through this day is step by step with Jesus. Remember, the path we are on is leading us to heaven. Ask the Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace. (from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.)

Such good words for us to absorb into our spirit. He is still God, even when....

Oops, I almost skipped over today's verse, but we need to wrap up Ezekiel's vision. During the 70 years of the captivity of the Jewish remnant was scattered and the Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem. There was no place of worship and sacrifice for the believers. They numbered over 50,000. Do we sometimes think like Elijah that we are the only believers in Jesus at work, in our community, our family? We aren't, dear one.

God says, "There will be a remnant who will see Me. When they do, I'm going to be a little temple, a little sanctuary, and they will be able to approach Me." This is God's arrangement during the time the temple was destroyed. Daniel and many others were among those who sought the LORD during this period. (The Prophets-Ezekiel, by J. Vernon McGee)

In the Hebrew language, sanctuary means a consecrated thing or place, especially a palace, sanctuary (whether of Jehovah or idols) or asylum; holy place; hallowed part.

Folks, do we stop and consider that we are a little sanctuary? If we are saved and the Holy Spirit dwells within us, then we are His sanctuary, where Jesus dwells and makes us righteous with His righteousness. (Ours is filthy rags.)

Hebrews 8:10b says, And I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: And I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. (also found in Zech. 8:8)

This is the better covenant with better promises, which has exceeded the Moses' Law-Jesus Christ. Jesus is our high priest who offered His own blood once in the holy place for eternal redemption for us. He offered once to bear the sins of many. (found in chapter 9 of Hebrews)

Paul said in Romans 12, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. (verses 1-2) 

Isn't it amazing that the God who created everything with His spoken Word loves us and wants to dwell with us sinners!

LET IT GROW

After all of that vision of Jerusalem, Ezekiel was returned to Chaldea. (verse 24) He spoke to the exiles about all the things the LORD had shown him. (verse 25)

When the people return to their homeland, they will remove every trace of their vile images and detestable idols.And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender responsive heart, so they will obey My decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be My people, and I will be their God. (NLT verses 18-20)

Ezekiel was able to tell the people why God was judging them. Even though the people did not would not listen to him, the prophet continued to be a sign unto them, and faithfully sharing God's Word to his people. Do we continue to share God's Word with others?  

LET IT GO

Make my life, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You.

Renew our minds today so we can be a living sacrifice unto You, Lord Jesus.

Jesus, keep us faithful to share Your Words of Truth, for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Please bless all who come to read this today with a renewed spirit, heart, and zeal for You.

May Your Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through us.