RESTORATION COMES!

Text: Ezekiel 37:15-28

This chapter of the bible is very symbolic. We'll do well to acquaint ourselves with its content and promises which is far reaching and all encompassing. The first part studied yesterday talks about the resurrection of the whole house of Israel, not just the southern kingdom of Judah and Benjamin but also the northern kingdom of Ephraim and the other nine tribes. Today God shows that he is going to restore the two kingdoms again. They shall no longer be two but one. Disunity is never God's intention for the body of Christ. That is why Jesus prayed "that they may be one".  Assyria conquered the northern  kingdom in 722BC, from that time, the scripture seems to concentrate only on the southern kingdom. This was important as the seed, Jesus was going to come from the tribe of Judah. Nonetheless, God has a bigger plan in mind. At the fullness of time, He was going to make Israel one again, so that his promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 will be realized.

Today, we are witnesses to the gradual actualization of this prophecy. It didn't culminate in the return of the captives from Babylon, because Israel was not yet returned from the many countries they were scattered to. However, in this dispensation, right before our eyes, Israel has returned and is still returning. There is no other country in the world that has been troubled and buffeted by haters like Israel. It has been one Holocaust after another. Since 1948 when it became a sovereign state again, war and crisis have never ceased. It is incredible how she is still existing and waxing strong even today. More so,  God in keeping with his covenant promise has continued to elevate and bless them immeasurably.

However, the restoration spoken of here is not yet complete. Verses 24-28 shows that It will  be complete when Israel, in her entirety, accepts Jesus Christ as the chosen one; the messiah and bow the knee to him. Verse 24 says: "my servant David will be king over them and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees". This is the far reaching promise. We are privileged to be part of it. By his mercies, Jesus' work of redemption has made us beneficiaries of this everlasting covenant. God watches over his word to bring it to fruition. God is in Christ uniting the world together and also reconciling the world to himself. Israel is His battle axe. Remain in Jesus and keep praying for the peace of Israel and Jerusalem. Every promise of God's kingdom on earth revolves around her.

Father, thank you for restoring Israel and for restoring us also through Jesus. Against all odds, you've faithfully kept your promise to her, even when it seems to take so long. Give us grace to appreciate the fact that you never fail and that Your plan may out live even our own lifespans. Help us to trust completely that you never disappoint. Amen!