The Family Bible Journey Podcast

This legendary chapter of Ezekiel is more than a prophetic vision of the restoration of the nation of Israel. This is God showing the prophet that He will physically raise all from the dead. In redeemed bodies, God's people will enjoy the blessings of life in His presence forevermore.

In the sinful world we live in, we are taught that "freedom" is the ability to do whatever we want. No. That is confusion that leads to hurt. Instead, we who know God's love and wisdom understand that God orders His universe to work in certain ways. Only then we love and respect each other, and serve sacrificially as Christ has, do we begin to know true freedom.

God promises to give us a new heart and spirit. Indeed, it is His own Holy Spirit that cleanses our hearts and purifies our minds. Cleansed by the blood of Christ, and renewed by His Spirit, we follow the Lord in faith.

We hear echoes of Psalm 23 and John 10, where Jesus identifies Himself as, "the Good Shepherd." Israel's shepherds seemed concerned about anything and everything but caring for their flock. When Christ came, He came as the good and perfect Shepherd, who loved His sheep with an unconditional and undying love.

John writes as an old man who has one motivation: that He see His spiritual children in heaven! So we listen to him as a pure voice with no motive other than our blessing and benefit. How refreshing it is to hear from someone who only ever has our best interest at heart.