St. Peter Lutheran Church

Every human life has one of two foundations: either the sand of this world or the bedrock of Jesus and His words. Only that latter foundation will last now and for eternity.

Today the Christian church celebrates Pentecost – the anniversary of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon believers 50 days after Jesus' resurrection. To this point in Acts, the Holy Spirit has already been spoken of as the coming promise of the Father, being baptized into Him, receiving power for witness when He comes upon you, and all believers being filled with Him. Peter mentions in his first sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit that His outpouring on all flesh is a sign of being in the latter Messianic days. Today we will look at specific transformations the Holy Spirit works in your walk with Jesus.

In today's text, Jesus reaches the end of His earthly ministry. In a mountain scene, Jesus ascends in resurrected glory from earth to the Father's right hand. As the disciples were gazing into heaven, two angels in white robes stood by them and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” These words continue to fill us with hope today, for any day now the very same Jesus is coming back visibly and physically and we will meet Him in the clouds.

When 10 disciples tell Thomas that they saw Jesus alive on Easter evening, he proves the most unyielding skeptic. In the strongest possible way in Greek (ou mn + subjunctive), He refuses to believe their testimony that Jesus lives; he even puts a demand to God before he will believe for himself. The cross had obviously shattered Thomas' messianic world to pieces. One week later, however, Jesus appears to the disciples again announcing peace, but this time Thomas is present too. Jesus commands Thomas to put his fingers where his faith should be. The hardness of Thomas's unbelief melts at the physical sight of Jesus. In a moment of instantaneous transformation, Thomas professes Jesus as both Lord and God! Are believers today at any disadvantage from those first witnesses who got to see the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes? Not at all! In fact, Jesus pronounces a special blessing upon every person who believes in Him without Thomas' privilege (and solely on the eye-witness account of the 11 that we have in Scripture). Do YOU believe Jesus lives?

In the darkness of Easter morning, Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus' tomb and sees the stone has been removed. She runs to tell Peter and John who also run and verify the empty tomb, but they return to their homes. Mary, however, stands outside Jesus' tomb and weeps. In her evaluation, everything with Jesus just went from bad to worse, for someone must have removed Jesus' body and laid it in an unknown place. Two angels appear and ask her why she is weeping. She turns around and sees Jesus, though she does not recognize Him yet. He too asks her why she is weeping (3x already). Again, she holds to her understanding that someone must have moved Jesus' body. Notice that Mary uses “Him” 3x: it was He who filled her thoughts to the exclusion of all else. Jesus then summons her by name: “Mary.” Anguish and despair are suddenly swallowed up by astonishment and delight. Mary exclaims “Rabboni” and clings physically to Jesus, likely by the feet. Jesus gently redirects Mary; Easter is not the time to cling to Him physically, but for going in joy and sharing the good news of His resurrection and ascension to His Father and OUR FATHER, as Mary obediently does.

The appearance of the resurrected Jesus on the Emmaus road to Cleopas and an unnamed disciple is one of Luke's most vivid and dramatic tellings. Three themes dominate today's text: (1) the irony that the empty tomb had not yet created excitement among Jesus' closest followers; in fact, the two travelers express deep disappointment in Jesus' death, which they view as a big setback. (2) Jesus – still unrecognizable to them – unpacks all that the Old Testament says about Him and God's plan being fulfilled in these Jerusalem events…meaning in God's economy, nothing is out of place at all. (3) Failure turns into fulfillment, tragedy into triumph when they finally recognize the risen Jesus in His breaking bread with them. The curve ball has not been thrown to humankind but to sin, death, and Satan. Cleopas and his companion would never be the same; Jesus is alive and present, salvation has been accomplished, and their hope renewed. In fact, they are so ecstatic that they go and tell the disciples in Jerusalem what had just happened.

The appearance of the resurrected Jesus on the Emmaus road to Cleopas and an unnamed disciple is one of Luke's most vivid and dramatic tellings. Three themes dominate today's text: (1) the irony that the empty tomb had not yet created excitement among Jesus' closest followers; in fact, the two travelers express deep disappointment in Jesus' death, which they view as a big setback. (2) Jesus – still unrecognizable to them – unpacks all that the Old Testament says about Him and God's plan being fulfilled in these Jerusalem events…meaning in God's economy, nothing is out of place at all. (3) Failure turns into fulfillment, tragedy into triumph when they finally recognize the risen Jesus in His breaking bread with them. The curve ball has not been thrown to humankind but to sin, death, and Satan. Cleopas and his companion would never be the same; Jesus is alive and present, salvation has been accomplished, and their hope renewed. In fact, they are so ecstatic that they go and tell the disciples in Jerusalem what had just happened.

Dave FickenI Am His StoryfalseI Am His Story: Bob and Audry

Some time between Day 9-40 after Easter, Jesus gives seven of His disciples a miraculous catch of fish and breakfast-on-the-beach. Following breakfast, Jesus has one-on-one time with Peter. Jesus begins by addressing Peter exactly as He did when He first called and renamed him in John 1:42, “You are Simon, the son of John.” Jesus is deliberately working to help Peter pick up the pieces from his triple denial of Him in John 18. Therefore, three times Jesus asks Simon, son of John, if he loves Him, followed by a triple instruction to feed His sheep. Simon is grieved by Jesus' persistence, especially since Jesus truly knows all things – including his love for Jesus. In this way, Jesus is restoring Simon and appointing him to subordinately shepherd His people – even though it will eventually cost him his life too. Jesus ends His talk with Peter in much the same way that discipleship began in John 1: “Follow Me.” (v19)

John beholds quite a sight: he turns and sees the exalted Son of Man in full glory in the midst of the seven lampstands (i.e., the seven churches which also represent the universal church)...meaning this Jesus is right here among us. His picture in Revelation 1 is nothing short of stunning. Jesus has a robe reaching to His feet (Priestly), a golden sash girded across His chest (King), head and hair white as snow (Honor), eyes like a flame of fire (Judge), feet glowing like burnished bronze (Strength), a voice like the sound of many waters (Might), seven stars in His right hand (angels of the seven churches), a sharp, double-edged sword protruding from His mouth (Law/Gospel Judgment), and His face shining as the bright sun (God's Glory). John sees this Jesus and falls at His feet like a dead corpse. Can you blame him? Yet this Jesus is a Jesus of touch; He places His right hand on John, and for the first time he opens His mouth. What would this kind of Jesus say? What would His first words be in Revelation as a whole? Jesus says to John, “Stop being afraid (mn + present imperative); I AM the first and the last, and the Living One; and I was dead, and behold, I AM alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades.” Jesus' self-description are words in the OT used of Yahweh Himself (cf. Dt 32:40; Isa 41:4; 44:6; Dan 12:7). Moreover, the threefold formula details Jesus' earthly life and ministry: the Living One…dead…alive forevermore. Lastly, note in this picture of Jesus that He's holding something very significant in His hand: the “keys of death and Hades.” Following His own resurrection from death's entrapment, Jesus' rule extends even over death! GOD now reaches out to all – even you – through this Jesus to give you abundant life. Such an incredible picture of the Christ of Easter assures believers that, regardless of what sufferings, hardships, or trials they may endure now as Christians, Jesus reigns in supreme glory and power; and every believer who perseveres in Christ will live and reign with Him forever.

John beholds quite a sight: he turns and sees the exalted Son of Man in full glory in the midst of the seven lampstands (i.e., the seven churches which also represent the universal church)...meaning this Jesus is right here among us. His picture in Revelation 1 is nothing short of stunning. Jesus has a robe reaching to His feet (Priestly), a golden sash girded across His chest (King), head and hair white as snow (Honor), eyes like a flame of fire (Judge), feet glowing like burnished bronze (Strength), a voice like the sound of many waters (Might), seven stars in His right hand (angels of the seven churches), a sharp, double-edged sword protruding from His mouth (Law/Gospel Judgment), and His face shining as the bright sun (God's Glory). John sees this Jesus and falls at His feet like a dead corpse. Can you blame him? Yet this Jesus is a Jesus of touch; He places His right hand on John, and for the first time he opens His mouth. What would this kind of Jesus say? What would His first words be in Revelation as a whole? Jesus says to John, “Stop being afraid (mn + present imperative); I AM the first and the last, and the Living One; and I was dead, and behold, I AM alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades.” Jesus' self-description are words in the OT used of Yahweh Himself (cf. Dt 32:40; Isa 41:4; 44:6; Dan 12:7). Moreover, the threefold formula details Jesus' earthly life and ministry: the Living One…dead…alive forevermore. Lastly, note in this picture of Jesus that He's holding something very significant in His hand: the “keys of death and Hades.” Following His own resurrection from death's entrapment, Jesus' rule extends even over death! GOD now reaches out to all – even you – through this Jesus to give you abundant life. Such an incredible picture of the Christ of Easter assures believers that, regardless of what sufferings, hardships, or trials they may endure now as Christians, Jesus reigns in supreme glory and power; and every believer who perseveres in Christ will live and reign with Him forever.

This letter from Jesus has the harshest tone of them all and is the only church in which Jesus finds nothing to commend. An aqueduct from hot springs in the south brought water rich in minerals to the city; however, because the hot springs themselves were 5 miles away, the waters were lukewarm by the time they reached Laodicea. In His concerned love, Jesus condemns the church in Laodicea for its ineffective witness and deplorable spiritual condition (i.e., lukewarmness). Moreover, just as the city did not see itself as “poor, blind, and naked” following an earthquake in A.D. 60 by denying imperial aid, so the complacent church did not see their spiritual bankruptcy. Still, Jesus is the answer to their grave condition; He stands at the door ready to receive in meal fellowship all who turn to Him in genuine repentance. Believers who conquer will sit with Jesus on His throne as He also conquered and sat down on His Father's throne.

This letter from Jesus has the harshest tone of them all and is the only church in which Jesus finds nothing to commend. An aqueduct from hot springs in the south brought water rich in minerals to the city; however, because the hot springs themselves were 5 miles away, the waters were lukewarm by the time they reached Laodicea. In His concerned love, Jesus condemns the church in Laodicea for its ineffective witness and deplorable spiritual condition (i.e., lukewarmness). Moreover, just as the city did not see itself as “poor, blind, and naked” following an earthquake in A.D. 60 by denying imperial aid, so the complacent church did not see their spiritual bankruptcy. Still, Jesus is the answer to their grave condition; He stands at the door ready to receive in meal fellowship all who turn to Him in genuine repentance. Believers who conquer will sit with Jesus on His throne as He also conquered and sat down on His Father's throne.

Chuck KittelfalseGuided to Perseverance

Inscriptions in Philadelphia mention the worship of Zeus and Hestia; the Roman imperial cult was present too. A nearby inscription mentions a synagogue as well. Jesus, who holds the key of David, sets before His church an open door – a phrase in the NT for spreading the gospel and giving witness to Christ. Though they have little power in themselves, probably for lack of numbers, He commends them for keeping His Word and not denying His name. Though a synagogue of Satan with false Jews is persecuting Christians, Jesus promises reverence from their enemies, as well as protection from an approaching hour of intense persecution. Christians who endure are promised their crown, refuge and “pillar-hood” in the temple of God, and God's name being written upon them.

Inscriptions in Philadelphia mention the worship of Zeus and Hestia; the Roman imperial cult was present too. A nearby inscription mentions a synagogue as well. Jesus, who holds the key of David, sets before His church an open door – a phrase in the NT for spreading the gospel and giving witness to Christ. Though they have little power in themselves, probably for lack of numbers, He commends them for keeping His Word and not denying His name. Though a synagogue of Satan with false Jews is persecuting Christians, Jesus promises reverence from their enemies, as well as protection from an approaching hour of intense persecution. Christians who endure are promised their crown, refuge and “pillar-hood” in the temple of God, and God's name being written upon them.

Micah GreinerfalseGuided to Trust

Sardis' ‘s capture twice in its history while watchmen neglected their duty became a cautionary tale of misguided complacency and lack of vigilance. As a result, while Sardis once enjoyed a famed past, its glory had since faded. Jesus comes in the presence of the Holy Spirit (the seven spirits of God) and warns His church that they face a similar predicament. He separates their reputation from their reality: though they have a reputation for being spiritually alive, He diagnoses them as near death (i.e., on spiritual life-support). Thus, Jesus calls Sardis to wake up spiritually and strengthen what remains before it dies. He directs them back to the Word they first received and to repentance. If they do not wake up, Jesus' judgment will come upon the local church like a thief. Jesus does, however, commend a remnant who have not soiled their garments and who walk with Him. Believers who conquer are promised white clothing and names that are ever inscribed in the book of life and confessed before His Father and angels.

Sardis' ‘s capture twice in its history while watchmen neglected their duty became a cautionary tale of misguided complacency and lack of vigilance. As a result, while Sardis once enjoyed a famed past, its glory had since faded. Jesus comes in the presence of the Holy Spirit (the seven spirits of God) and warns His church that they face a similar predicament. He separates their reputation from their reality: though they have a reputation for being spiritually alive, He diagnoses them as near death (i.e., on spiritual life-support). Thus, Jesus calls Sardis to wake up spiritually and strengthen what remains before it dies. He directs them back to the Word they first received and to repentance. If they do not wake up, Jesus' judgment will come upon the local church like a thief. Jesus does, however, commend a remnant who have not soiled their garments and who walk with Him. Believers who conquer are promised white clothing and names that are ever inscribed in the book of life and confessed before His Father and angels.

Paul KlopkefalseGuided to Peace

Thyatira was a politically and culturally marginalized city, finding its identity economically, with guilds dealing in metals and fabric (Acts 16:14). Guilds celebrated their patron deities in periodic festivities, so Christians may have been tempted toward the message of a “prophetess” who advocated participation in illicit sex and food sacrificed to idols, both staples of the social scene. Excavated coins point to the ongoing NT-era worship of Apollo, who had been assimilated with the Lydian sun-god Tyrimnos. Contextually, Jesus comes to His church here with metallic imagery: “eyes like a flame of fire and feet as burnished bronze.” He commends them for their love, faith, service and patient endurance, yet He challenges them for tolerating Jezebel, a false prophetess and leader of sexual immorality and idolatrous practices. Jesus – the One who “searches heart and mind” – threatens great tribulation upon her followers unless repentance is made. Those who conquer and keep Jesus' words and works until the end will receive authority over the nations, rule with an iron rod, and be given the morning star (Christ Himself - 22:16).

Thyatira was a politically and culturally marginalized city, finding its identity economically, with guilds dealing in metals and fabric (Acts 16:14). Guilds celebrated their patron deities in periodic festivities, so Christians may have been tempted toward the message of a “prophetess” who advocated participation in illicit sex and food sacrificed to idols, both staples of the social scene. Excavated coins point to the ongoing NT-era worship of Apollo, who had been assimilated with the Lydian sun-god Tyrimnos. Contextually, Jesus comes to His church here with metallic imagery: “eyes like a flame of fire and feet as burnished bronze.” He commends them for their love, faith, service and patient endurance, yet He challenges them for tolerating Jezebel, a false prophetess and leader of sexual immorality and idolatrous practices. Jesus – the One who “searches heart and mind” – threatens great tribulation upon her followers unless repentance is made. Those who conquer and keep Jesus' words and works until the end will receive authority over the nations, rule with an iron rod, and be given the morning star (Christ Himself - 22:16).

Tom NollLentfalseGuided to Love

The church at Ephesus resisted false teaching, and Smyrna endured persecution. Believers at Pergamum battled both fronts. Twice Jesus acknowledges Satan's throne and presence in their midst (the only city where Satan is said to have his throne!). Pergamum was the first city in Asia Minor to build a temple for emperor worship, boasting of itself as a “temple-warden.” As such, it became a leading center for this idolatrous practice. Pergamum was also a center for the cult of Asclepius, the god of healing whose symbol was a serpent. Furthermore, Pergamum had various pagan temples, including one in the form of the throne of Zeus, the father of the gods. Satan's evil workings led to Antipas's martyrdom, yet Jesus commends believers there for holding fast to His name and not denying the faith. Satan has also been sowing seeds of false doctrine among them, for some are guilty of harboring/condoning Nicolaitan heresy (sexual and spiritual immorality). Jesus calls His church to repent, lest He wield His sharp two-edged sword against them. Believers who conquer in faith receive hidden manna (to be consumed at the marriage feast of the Lamb - 19:9) and a white stone with a new name written upon it. White stones were given to victors at games as entrance passes to a great banquet, as well as by jurors at trials to vote for acquittal. Both gifts suggest different types of eternal blessing and reward.

The church at Ephesus resisted false teaching, and Smyrna endured persecution. Believers at Pergamum battled both fronts. Twice Jesus acknowledges Satan's throne and presence in their midst (the only city where Satan is said to have his throne!). Pergamum was the first city in Asia Minor to build a temple for emperor worship, boasting of itself as a “temple-warden.” As such, it became a leading center for this idolatrous practice. Pergamum was also a center for the cult of Asclepius, the god of healing whose symbol was a serpent. Furthermore, Pergamum had various pagan temples, including one in the form of the throne of Zeus, the father of the gods. Satan's evil workings led to Antipas's martyrdom, yet Jesus commends believers there for holding fast to His name and not denying the faith. Satan has also been sowing seeds of false doctrine among them, for some are guilty of harboring/condoning Nicolaitan heresy (sexual and spiritual immorality). Jesus calls His church to repent, lest He wield His sharp two-edged sword against them. Believers who conquer in faith receive hidden manna (to be consumed at the marriage feast of the Lamb - 19:9) and a white stone with a new name written upon it. White stones were given to victors at games as entrance passes to a great banquet, as well as by jurors at trials to vote for acquittal. Both gifts suggest different types of eternal blessing and reward.

Randy RozellefalseGuided to Hope

When Jesus speaks to His church in Smyrna, He acknowledges the reality and increasing intensity of Christian hardship, poverty, and suffering at the hands of Satan's scheming and cohorts. Jesus specifically mentions prison time, testing, and 10 days of tribulation. Believers (then/now), however, who are faithful in Him unto death will receive the crown of life. The result: the second death – the Lake of Fire – will not harm them.

In this service for Ash Wednesday, we are drawn to Calvary to receive forgiveness. In word and song, we contemplate how to live lives of forgiving one another as we have been forgiven by Christ through the cross.

In this service for Ash Wednesday, we are drawn to Calvary to receive forgiveness. In word and song, we contemplate how to live lives of forgiving one another as we have been forgiven by Christ. through the cross.

Following the prologue, John greets the seven churches on behalf of the Father, Spirit, and Son, whose redemptive work has released us from sin and given us new status as a kingdom and priests to God (1:4-6). For the church to persevere in the midst of tribulation and culture's pressure to compromise, we need God's grace and peace. Moreover, despite overwhelming odds and difficulties which try faith, Jesus stands victorious and present with His church through the sevenfold presence of the Spirit (1:4). Hence, as we carry out Christ's mission in darkening days, we do so with the One who holds the seven stars (angels) in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands (the churches). Jesus commends Ephesus for its perseverance, rejection of false apostles, and hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitan; however, Jesus calls them to repent over the “loss of their first love” and to return to “the deeds they did at first.” While zealous to protect the pure Word of God, the Ephesian Christians had turned inward, meaning their fervour to witness and win the lost had waned. If the Ephesians do not repent, it can destroy their fellowship with Christ (i.e., He threatens to remove them as a church). Believers who do overcome will enjoy eternity in God's paradise.

Following the prologue, John greets the seven churches on behalf of the Father, Spirit, and Son, whose redemptive work has released us from sin and given us new status as a kingdom and priests to God (1:4-6). For the church to persevere in the midst of tribulation and culture's pressure to compromise, we need God's grace and peace. Moreover, despite overwhelming odds and difficulties which try faith, Jesus stands victorious and present with His church through the sevenfold presence of the Spirit (1:4). Hence, as we carry out Christ's mission in darkening days, we do so with the One who holds the seven stars (angels) in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands (the churches). Jesus commends Ephesus for its perseverance, rejection of false apostles, and hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitan; however, Jesus calls them to repent over the “loss of their first love” and to return to “the deeds they did at first.” While zealous to protect the pure Word of God, the Ephesian Christians had turned inward, meaning their fervour to witness and win the lost had waned. If the Ephesians do not repent, it can destroy their fellowship with Christ (i.e., He threatens to remove them as a church). Believers who do overcome will enjoy eternity in God's paradise.

Ezekiel closes his book with a description of God' new city. The city is described as a perfect cube (a new Holy of Holies) with gates assigned to each of the 12 tribes – 3 gates per side. Moreover, Ezekiel saves the best for last. The city has a remarkable name: “The LORD Is There.” (Heb: YHWH Shammah). The name indicates its true character and recalls the observation in the introduction to this vision complex: this vision, and by extension the book, is about the actualization of God's presence among His people (cf. Rev 22:3). What Ezekiel envisions, Jesus fulfills, for wherever Jesus is present: YHWH Shammah…the LORD Is There – including in us!

Ezekiel closes his book with a description of God' new city. The city is described as a perfect cube (a new Holy of Holies) with gates assigned to each of the 12 tribes – 3 gates per side. Moreover, Ezekiel saves the best for last. The city has a remarkable name: “The LORD Is There.” (Heb: YHWH Shammah). The name indicates its true character and recalls the observation in the introduction to this vision complex: this vision, and by extension the book, is about the actualization of God's presence among His people (cf. Rev 22:3). What Ezekiel envisions, Jesus fulfills, for wherever Jesus is present: YHWH Shammah…the LORD Is There – including in us!

The LORD God brings Ezekiel back into the inner court of the temple where he sees water flowing from below the threshold of the temple which goes down into the Arabah and brings the Dead Sea to life. “Wherever the river flows, everything lives!” So says Ezekiel (v9). Where is this river of life today? Ezekiel's river flows into John's gospel (and Revelation). From Jesus, the ultimate temple (Jn 2/Rv 21:22), flows streams of living water for all who believe in Him (Jn 7)...for, wherever the river flows, everything lives.

The LORD God brings Ezekiel back into the inner court of the temple where he sees water flowing from below the threshold of the temple which goes down into the Arabah and brings the Dead Sea to life. “Wherever the river flows, everything lives!” So says Ezekiel (v9). Where is this river of life today? Ezekiel's river flows into John's gospel (and Revelation). From Jesus, the ultimate temple (Jn 2/Rv 21:22), flows streams of living water for all who believe in Him (Jn 7)...for, wherever the river flows, everything lives.

Ezekiel 43 essentially begins: “Behold, the glory of the God of Israel.” These eight words will change one's life forever. The return of God's glory to the temple is one of the most dramatic moments in the book–the undoing of its prior departure in 10:18-22 and 11:23. After all, the only thing lacking from this sacred space was God Himself. This temple transformation signals a new beginning, a new era between the LORD and His people, an indissoluble bond for He will dwell in their midst forever. When Jesus comes back, every eye will behold what Ezekiel saw: God in all of His glory. Those who looked upon Jesus with eyes of faith here will then bask in His temple presence forever.

Ezekiel 43 essentially begins: “Behold, the glory of the God of Israel.” These eight words will change one's life forever. The return of God's glory to the temple is one of the most dramatic moments in the book–the undoing of its prior departure in 10:18-22 and 11:23. After all, the only thing lacking from this sacred space was God Himself. This temple transformation signals a new beginning, a new era between the LORD and His people, an indissoluble bond for He will dwell in their midst forever. When Jesus comes back, every eye will behold what Ezekiel saw: God in all of His glory. Those who looked upon Jesus with eyes of faith here will then bask in His temple presence forever.

Ezekiel – whose name means “God strengthens” – lives out his prophetic ministry among God's people while they are exiled in Babylon. Ezekiel's vision likens the Israelites in captivity to very dead, very dry bones. The Spirit of the LORD asks him, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Then the Spirit tells Ezekiel to speak the word of the LORD upon them, and when he does, this valley of dead, dry bones comes back to full life, meaning God will revive His captive children and bring them back to live in the promised land. Ezekiel's vision looks past their Judean resettlement and incorporates all His children dead and alive, for the LORD God promises: “Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves; O My people…and you shall know that I am YHWH, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, O My people” (vv12-13). Begun on Pentecost through spiritual resurrection, the Holy Spirit will bring this vision to fullness on the day when Jesus returns.

Ezekiel – whose name means “God strengthens” – lives out his prophetic ministry among God's people while they are exiled in Babylon. Ezekiel's vision likens the Israelites in captivity to very dead, very dry bones. The Spirit of the LORD asks him, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Then the Spirit tells Ezekiel to speak the word of the LORD upon them, and when he does, this valley of dead, dry bones comes back to full life, meaning God will revive His captive children and bring them back to live in the promised land. Ezekiel's vision looks past their Judean resettlement and incorporates all His children dead and alive, for the LORD God promises: “Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves; O My people…and you shall know that I am YHWH, when I open your graves and raise you from your graves, O My people” (vv12-13). Begun on Pentecost through spiritual resurrection, the Holy Spirit will bring this vision to fullness on the day when Jesus returns.

So far, Ezekiel's focus on God's work of restoration has been externally focused (i.e., new shepherd, new covenant). In Ezekiel 36, God's work of making “all things new” encompasses the internal too. What God's people in Babylon really need is a new heart! True transformation happens only by divine intervention from the inside-out. Through His Spirit, God promises His people heart surgery – removing their hard, unbelieving stone-like hearts and implanting a soft, pliable believing heart. Not only will His Spirit complete the procedure, but He will indwell God's people and lead them to walk in obedience to His words and ways. Jesus connects this divine procedure to baptism in John 3.

So far, Ezekiel's focus on God's work of restoration has been externally focused (i.e., new shepherd, new covenant). In Ezekiel 36, God's work of making “all things new” encompasses the internal too. What God's people in Babylon really need is a new heart! True transformation happens only by divine intervention from the inside-out. Through His Spirit, God promises His people heart surgery – removing their hard, unbelieving stone-like hearts and implanting a soft, pliable believing heart. Not only will His Spirit complete the procedure, but He will indwell God's people and lead them to walk in obedience to His words and ways. Jesus connects this divine procedure to baptism in John 3.

God says, “I will cut with them a covenant of peace.” (Ezekiel 34:25) What does that mean? A covenant in the OT was not an impersonal contract, informal agreement, or word-of-mouth handshake; rather, covenants were cut and binded two sides via animal blood. With His persistently rebellious people, God promises a covenant of peace (shalom). Peace is not simply an absence of conflict; peace means wholeness, safety, and security. In Jesus, God cut a covenant of peace with Him via Jesus' blood. In Him we are whole, safe, and secure.

God says, “I will cut with them a covenant of peace.” (Ezekiel 34:25) What does that mean? A covenant in the OT was not an impersonal contract, informal agreement, or word-of-mouth handshake; rather, covenants were cut and binded two sides via animal blood. With His persistently rebellious people, God promises a covenant of peace (shalom). Peace is not simply an absence of conflict; peace means wholeness, safety, and security. In Jesus, God cut a covenant of peace with Him via Jesus' blood. In Him we are whole, safe, and secure.

After the fall of Jerusalem, God chastises the unfaithful religious leaders (i.e., shepherds) of His sheep. At the hands of their gross, spiritual negligence, His people have become prey, malnourished, scattered, lost, and injured. Therefore, God promises that He Himself will be their Shepherd. He will search for His sheep and rescue them. He will gather and feed them. He will bind up and strengthen them. He will help them lie down in rich pastures. We see God's promise realized most fully in Jesus, our Good Shepherd.!