Ezekiel 35-36   The Lord instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against the mountains of Edom.  This nation had constantly been at war with Israel.  They rejoiced when Israel fell. They tried to claim her land for themselves.  But God would have none of that.  Edom is no longer a nation.  The land is desolate, even as God declared.  It is now part of the country of Jordan.

In chapter 36, Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the mountains of Israel.   Here, the message is good news!  Israel would be restored, not because she deserved it, but for the sake of His Name, God will bless them.  Over and over again, the Lord sends the message through Ezekiel.. Israel will know that He is the Lord.  All the nations will know that God is the Lord of all!

His promises to Israel are wonderful:
The nations against them will endure the same insults that they threw at Israel .
The mountains, hills, ravines, and valleys will become filled with the fruit of the land.
The land will be cultivated and sown.
Men will be multiplied.
Cities will be inhabited.
Waste places will be rebuilt.
Children will fill the land.

And best of all, they will know God.  "..I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes  and you will be careful to observe My ordinances"

Our God is the great Restorer.  He desires that His people know Him and live in community with Him.  He is willing to cleanse and forgive us from sin.  He is willing to restore us to fruitfulness.  He is able to resurrect that which was desolate and to bring life again.  Praise the Lord!

Father, thank You for the Word that You have made known to us.. so that we can be Your people and live by Your Spirit, in Christ Jesus.  Thank you.  We pray for the nation of Israel, that they might turn to You fully and see Your glorious plan for them completely fulfilled.  Make our hearts ready for that day, when we will all know, without any exceptions, that You alone are Lord, the Sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth; You are the only God and Creator, our Redeemer and Savior.   Be glorified this day, we pray, in Jesus' name , amen.