“Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37).
TEXT — Ezekiel 36:28-38
Message
When you see the statement, “Terms and conditions apply” in a sales promotion, advertisement or other messages that make an offer of certain benefits, what do you make of it? The statement means that you cannot enjoy the benefit(s) offered without accepting the terms and conditions spelled out by the advertiser. You are required to enter into a sort of contract with the person making the offer.
Similarly, when God makes promises, most times, those promises come with terms and conditions (T&C). We see this play out in today’s text. God, through Prophet Ezekiel, assured the exiled Jews of a gracious restoration, not only to their land but also to favour and cordial relationship with Him. Ezekiel chapter 36 is filled with God’s “I wills” eight of which are found in today’s text alone. These delightsome promises cover a long range of areas that meant so much to them. For instance, He promised to be their God, cleanse them, restore them to their rightful possessions, and give them a bumper harvest. He sealed the promise by saying, “I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.” Here is the T&C of these promises: “I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them.”
Many Christians are content to read the promises of God in the Bible and hope that the promises will automatically be fulfilled in their lives. It is true that God honours His word and will liberally give out blessings, especially to those who are in good standing with Him. However, as a general principle, He expects us to pray to “draw down” the blessings.
It is a general testimony of the Scripture that those who earnestly seek the Lord will find Him. Our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear, “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:8). Whatever you desire from God today – salvation, sanctification, the Spirit’s in-filling, provision, healing, protection… you need to pray. Prayer is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God and the expression of our faith in His faithfulness. And He delights in it.
Thought for the day
Your attitude of prayer reflects what God means to you.
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.
