YOUR MOUNTAINS WILL BE BLESSED

Ezekiel 36 :1-15

It is a wonderful consolation to read from the Lord this morning and hear him promising restoration to me and the rest of his congregation. Israel has been demeaned and taunted by their neighbours. She has been scorned and called several ugly names; a witch who eats up her own children; a wizard who causes her children not to prosper, a devourer of men etc etc  This morning, the lord comes with an answer to the scoffers. He says, "I swear with uplifted hands, the nations around you will also suffer scorn" (v7)

The nations surrounding Israel rejoiced because the lord is angry with His people and turned his face against her for a moment. Hence, her land became desolate and her children captives. The mountains and pasture lands were overgrown with weeds, briers, thorns and thistles; so the jealous neighbours gloated. They made merry, danced and sent portions to their friends at the downfall of the children of Israel. They thought the lord has forsaken his people forever and will never look back. Little did they know that the sovereign lord never abandons his own. He has taken a vow in his name; "Israel is the apple of my eyes". He commands: "touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm".

Beloved, it's a wonderful new beginning for us today. This third week of the new year, God starts us off with this wonderful promise. He says in verse 8-15" you mountains of Israel will produce branches and fruits, for my people are coming home. I will multiply men upon you. And I will look on you with favour. You will never again deprive them of their children. No longer will you suffer scorn". What happened to your own mountains, hills, ravines and valleys, beloved? Are there still some desolate ruins and deserted towns in your life? 

Take heart! Restoration comes. The sun of righteousness has risen with healing in his wings. He promises double honour for your shame, beauty for your ashes and garments of praise for your heavy hearts. Yea! You shall no longer be called barren nor the forsaken one. Rather you will be called Hephzibah and your land Beulah!  Behold deliverance, salvation and Restoration comes. Just stay with Him, don't give up!