Heart Cleanser
Scripture Reading — Ezekiel 36:24-32
“I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Our passage from Ezekiel speaks comforting words. Here the Sovereign Lord promises to use his people to declare his holiness among the nations.
But were the people of Israel up to this difficult task?
Already in Egypt we saw their hesitation to follow God. They grumbled and complained, twisting and turning against God’s will, refusing to trust him. And then once they established their home in the promised land, their disobedience spiraled out of control.
We wonder if it was even possible for the people of Israel, on their own, to reveal the holiness of God. And the sad fact was that it was completely impossible for them to do so.
But in this passage, as well as others sprinkled throughout Ezekiel and the prophets, we find God’s promise to bolster the hearts, minds, and wills of his people by putting his Spirit in them. He promises to cleanse them from their impurities and give them a new heart. God himself, through the Holy Spirit, makes his people a witness to the nations.
Just as the people of Israel fell short in following God, so each one of us struggles to be holy. Call on the Spirit today and ask him to fill you so that you can be holy and reflect his holiness in his world. He will turn your heart of stone into a heart of love and goodness.
Holy Spirit, work in our hearts today so that our lives will reflect your presence and power in the world. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!