THE LORD SPOKE (November 22)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Ezekiel 37-38

Same song; stanza two. The tune is definitely the same and the chorus is repeated. Both chapter 36 and chapter 37 give melody to the restoration of the People of Israel to the Land of Israel. Both repeat the refrain, “Then they will know that I am the Lord” (36:38 and 37:6). Both bring in the harmonic theme: “I will put my Spirit in them” (36:27 and 37:14).

The new variation that is introduced in chapter 37 is the resurrection of David as their king (vs. 24). But in that same paragraph (vs. 24-28) the dominant chords of Old Testament biblical theology are all struck:

POSSESSION/LAND (vs. 25) - “they will live in the land”
PRINCE (vs. 25) - “David my servant will be their prince forever”
PROMISE (vs. 25) - “I will make a covenant of peace with them”
PRESERVATION (vs. 25) - “I will establish them”
PEOPLE (vs. 25) - “I will be their god and they will be my people”

And did you notice? Five times in four verses it’s repeated that this is everlasting and forever!

What we have seen in Israel in the last 60+ years is exactly what we should have expected from this prophecy. First, dry (and often smelly) bones coming together (vs. 1-3). Then flesh and tendons appearing; some skin spreading (vs. 4-6). More flesh appearing as the bones came together and began to stand erect (vs. 7-8). What hasn’t happened yet is the Spirit of God breathing true Life into those bones (vs. 9-10) but, by the order of the prophecy, that day must be close!

With Paul we cry out:

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they might be saved. (Romans 10:1)

Check out the context of that verse and see how it is to happen in Romans 10:14-15.


Psalms 133-134

May the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth,
bless you from Zion.
Psalm 134:3

How is it possible to be blessed from Zion? Isn’t that place just all messed up and about to be blown up? Aren’t they all just killing each other over there?

No! That’s the warped view you’ll get from the media but it’s not an accurate description of Israel today. Here are some suggestions for how you can experience the Lord’s “blessing from Zion”.

1. Inform yourself of the Jewish believers in Israel today. Over 80 messianic congregations are actively preaching the Gospel. Many of them would put us to shame by what they’re doing in terms of evangelism. They’ll bless and challenge you!
2. Visit Israel and see for yourself. It’s a thriving democracy (the only one in the Middle East!) And experiencing growth in almost every sector. Thousands of new immigrants continue to pour in every year. It is arguably the most dynamic society anywhere on earth.
3. Study the history of modern Israel. (Graduate from the Zion Chronicles to the real thing.) It’s a story of real heroes and amazing exploits. At many points you’ll have to shake your head and say “only God”. You’ll be blessed from Zion when you know the historical accounts of what’s happened in our generation.
4. Learn some Hebrew so you can read the biblical text in the original language. It will open up many new vistas and you’ll be “blessed from Zion” again and again when you see the links to the Land, the culture, and the people of Israel.

We know it must be done,
For God hath spoke the word.
And all Israel shall their Savior own,
To their first state restored;
Rebuilt by His command,
Jerusalem shall rise;
Her temple on Moriah stand
Again and touch the skies.

Send then Thy servants forth,
To call the Hebrews home.
From East and West and South and North,
Let all the wanderers come.
Wherever in lands unknown,
The fugitives remain,
Bid every creature help them on,
Thy holy mount to gain.

(from John Wesley’s unpublished “Zionist Hymn”)