A New Heart: A Study in EzekielSampel

What does it say?

Ezekiel prophesied against the nations of Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia because they treated God’s people with malice, contempt, revenge, vengeance, and hostility.

What does it mean?

The nations in today’s passage had long, hostile histories with God’s people. They feared the God of Israel because of the many times He had protected Israel and Judah against them. When the Lord used Babylon to discipline the house of Israel, the four nations on their eastern and western borders took the opportunity to gloat over their demise. Each nation saw how it might benefit from Jerusalem’s fall by gaining territory, power, and revenge. They failed to realize that if God willingly disciplined His people so harshly, He certainly wouldn’t excuse their malice and hostility.

How should I respond?

Apart from Christ, the bent of human nature leans toward reactions of anger, rage, bitterness, and malice – like the unbelieving nations in today’s passage. Followers of Christ, however, are called to a higher plane. God’s people are to intentionally choose attitudes such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, gratitude, and love. Which set of characteristics currently describes you most? Spend a few minutes in the following passages and ask God to help you display your new, holy nature today (Galatians 5:16-26 and Ephesians 4:17-5:4.)