Tuesday 13 May 2008

Background

Our reading today comes from a part of the book of Ezekiel whichfocuses on the restoration of Israel.

Chapters 38 and39 form a section in themselves and begin by describing atime when the whole of Israel is living in peace. The people livewithout walls and gates (38:11) and all appears well. Gog, who isdescribed as "the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" (lands to thenorth of Israel) (38:3), is led by God to invade the land with acoalition of armies from other regions.

However, this invasion will be an opportunity for God's sovereignpower to be seen at work. The invading armies will be destroyed byGod's actions as an earthquake starts a series of events throughwhich victory will come. God has prompted Gog to invade the landbut, through the events which follow, God's faithfulness to Israelis proclaimed.

The victory is almost beyond description. Our reading begins withthe amazing image of the people of Israel being able to use theweapons of the defeated armies for firewood so that no other woodwill be needed for seven years (39:9-10).

This theme is developed throughout the rest of chapter 39 andreaches its climax in verses 25-29 with a series of powerfulstatements which describe God's restoring actions. The final versemakes it clear that all this will be demonstrated as God "pours outhis spirit on the house of Israel" (verse 29).

The hope of restoration to a people in exile is a powerful image.Throughout the centuries it has spoken to many people who havefound themselves cast out of their homeland and who long to returnto peace and security.

It is also a spiritual image which speaks to those who feel inspiritual exile and who long to return to a living relationshipwith God. The promise of God - that the Spirit will be poured outupon the Israelites and God will never again hide his face -hasgreat power to sustain us in days when we feel spiritually far fromhome.

To Ponder

The events recorded in these verses describe howGod prompts an attacking enemy in order that the people might knowthat their god is the God who can save. How do you understand suchan idea?

How can we hold on to the image of a God ofrestoration when we find ourselves in spiritual exile?