“And I will multiply upon you man and beast, and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 36:11).
TEXT — Ezekiel 36:1-15
Message
Of the rulers of ancient Egypt, Thutmose III of the 18th dynasty who reigned about 1479–25BCE, is often regarded as the greatest. Apart from his military prowess that took the empire to the zenith of its power, Thutmose III had remarkable civil works that marked his deeds. He was also a great hunter. However, he was said to have tried to destroy the memory of his predecessor, Queen Hatshepsut, by building a wall around one of her obelisks (memorial towers). Ironically, the said wall helped to preserve the obelisk for posterity.
Thutmose’s vain attempt to destroy the memory of his predecessor is akin to the touting and evil plots of the enemies of Israel that provoked a divine intervention. When the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, the Edomites (Idumeans) plotted to exclude them and take over their land. Edomites were said to have taken possession of the mountainous parts of Judea, and the strategic fortresses in the country. They were ready to resist the Jews if ever they returned from Babylon.
Prophet Ezekiel delivered a message of consolation and hope to the “mountains of Israel” in a poetic style, assuring the people that the usurpers would be removed from their land. The Jews were promised a glorious future free from idolatrous bondage. The prophecy hinted at Israel’s restoration to their former glory after going into captivity due to their rebellion against God. This period of captivity served as a correction from God to bring them back in line. The entire situation demonstrates God’s love and faithfulness to His people, in line with His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It also points to the present grace period centred on Jesus Christ’s redemptive work, offering salvation, deliverance, restoration, and hope for a better future.
Whatever state you are today, understand that God is mindful of you. Your enemies, especially the enemy of your soul, may be saying to you, Aha, and even be laying claim to your possessions. Because of the redemptive covenant we have through Christ, the Lord will intervene for you and give you restoration and a guaranteed future. Put your faith in Him.
Thought for the day
If God fights your battle, prepare for a victory lap.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
