Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Wednesday after Jubilate

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: Ezekiel 36:33-38 (NKJV)

33 “‘Thus says the Lord God: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35 So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.”

37 ‘Thus says the Lord God: “I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them: I will increase their men like a flock. 38 Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”‘”

Devotion

The Lord’s promises to restore the land and glory of His people may appear to be fulfilled in some ways throughout the years, but the true fulfillment will come in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

The whole world of man has become wasted, desolate, and ruined because of sin. The garden of Eden was lost because of Adam and Eve’s unfaithfulness. The whole face of the earth was changed in Noah’s time because of the wickedness of man. Through the ages, kingdoms have risen and fallen, expanded and been reduced to ruins.

But God’s holy people are assured by His Word that He will establish His kingdom and make all things new in Jesus Christ. He calls us to be ashamed of our iniquities and the destruction that they have caused. We are made to remember and repent of our sins in the face of His righteous Truth. But we are also shown His mercy and forgiveness for His own sake manifested in His Son.

Through Jesus Christ, He restores us, cleansing us from our iniquities. He increases His kingdom through His Spirit and Baptism, enlarging His flock through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of His Spirit in the hearts of people from all nations.

We pray: Lord God, heavenly Father, Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. Let Your kingdom come unto us also, and grant us Your grace in Christ Jesus to abide in Your Word and dwell with You in the resurrection and life everlasting. Amen.

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