Scripture

“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.”

Observation

The Spirit takes Ezekiel to the eastern gate of the temple, where he sees the 25 most prominent men in Jerusalem,

The Spirit tells Ezekiel to prophesy against these people. They have been saying that inside the city they are like meat kept safe in a pot. They keep telling people they should build houses and invest there,

The Lord says that he will scatter the leaders from their pot. The Lord will judge them wherever they go, because they have refused to obey God’s commands and have instead copied the nations around them.

God tells Ezekiel to speak to the people in exile in Babylon. The Lord has scattered them to the nations, but he will bring them back. The Lord will give them the land of Israel. He will also give them a new heart and a new spirit. They will obey the Lord’s regulations because they are tender and responsive to the Lord.

Application

The Lord promises to give his people singleness of heart and to put a new spirit in them.

“Singleness of heart” means an undivided loyalty to the Lord. Instead of worshipping images and idols, they will worship only the Lord.

“A new spirit” means that they will no longer be attracted to false gods, false worship and the ways of the flesh.

When we yield ourselves to the Lord, he renews our hearts and spirits. The things that once seemed so attractive to us lose their appeal.

Listen

Lord, what would you say to me about this new heart and new spirit?

Keith, when I promise a new heart and a new spirit, I mean what these words say. As you surrender yourself to me, I am able to send my Spirit through you and to wash away everything that is not of me. This takes time. Sin is so deeply ingrained in every human heart that you often do not recognise it as sin. Keep surrendering to me.