Jerusalem has just fallen; the last rebellion of Judah has been quashed and most of the survivors have been taken into exile to Babylon. This marks a turning point in the book of Ezekiel. The moment that this judgement upon Jerusalem is complete is the moment when the tone of God’s address to his people changes. And the change is dramatic. Now after oracle upon oracle of judgement and woe come oracles of restoration and healing. In a way, God was treating the situation in Judah like we would treat a cancer. He took drastic measures to annihilate the cancer so that his people could rise up to full health. Now that the drastic measures are over, God announces the time for healing and restoration. This is the focus of the rest of the book of Ezekiel. Yet again it is good to be reminded that ultimately God’s priority is always for restoration. God may allow us to suffer from the consequences of our bad choices but it is never ultimate judgement. It is never a sign that we have been abandoned. If God allows us to suffer such consequences it is only to lead us towards restoration. No matter how far you have strayed or what you have done God wants to restore you. He will never give up on you. God paid the ultimate price in Jesus Christ to make restoration possible and he wants to apply to you what cost him so dearly. Otherwise it would be like an expensive gift that was never given.
Where do you need to see restoration in your life? Commit this to God.
Read Ezekiel 36:1-15
