Ezekiel 39:25 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name.”
The phrase “…with no one to make them afraid,” the latter part of verse 26, jumps out at me today. It brings to mind Micah 4:4: “Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.” It speaks of safety and protection, peace and home. It is a beautiful, comforting image.
Ezekiel 39:26 ”They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid.”
However, if EVERYONE is to have these things—the ability to have their own personal space, the ability to feel safe and protected, we’ve got a long way to go. I think bridging the gap between where we are and where God wants us is unconditional positive regard, seeing others as God’s beloved children—even if we disagree with them, even if they act unlovable, even if they don’t want anything from us but to be left alone. Jesus, Help me.
Ezekiel 39:28 “Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind.”
Lord, I love the imagery at the end of Ezekiel 39:26 and Micah 4:4 of feeling safe and unafraid. We can only truly find that in You, yet we can help others find it by being Your hands and feet in this world. Show us how to love others as You love, Lord, even when it isn’t easy. Draw us closer. Amen.
Ezekiel 39:29 “I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
Have a blessed day.