Coming Restoration

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.

Ezekiel 39:28

The first two-thirds of Ezekiel are about God’s coming judgment on Judah and other nations. But, hallelujah, that’s not the end of the story! The last chapters of Ezekiel prophesy of Judah’s coming restoration.

I am restoring my kitchen table. This process has been lengthy, involved, and frustrating! Before putting on new stain and varnish, the old had to be removed. And so, the table was disassembled, and the sanding began.

God uses the process of “sanding” in our lives to remove the old—that which is marred and unlike Him. Because sanding is painful, we might question God’s love. Yet, sanding demonstrates God’s love. …the Lord disciplines those he loves… God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness (Hebrews 12:3, 10). God lovingly refuses to leave His own in a marred, unholy state. He increasingly makes us beautiful in His sight!

judah was unfaithful to God through idol worship; and so, God began sanding her spiritually adulterous heart to purify her. He allowed her to be held captive in Babylon for 70 long years. However, God didn’t leave Judah hopeless.

He promised a coming time of restoration. God would once again gather Judah to her land. He would cleanse her and give her a new heart and Spirit, welling up a desire to obey Him. (Ezekiel 36:22-29) Why would God do this? His answer is repeated throughout the entire book: Then they will know that I am the LORD (Ezekiel 36:38).

Believer, we are living in the days of sanding. God desires to use our difficulties to purify us and remove all doubts that He is Sovereign LORD. God has given us the sure hope of future restoration—a day when we will be gathered to Jesus, and we will be like Him.

Lord, sand my heart and make it pure. Give me a heart like Yours!

Jan Burkhart