SEPTEMBER 9 – Reading 252

by John Christian Pra | September 9

“A NEW BEGINNING”
(Ezekiel 40:1 – 43:27)

“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever…” – Ezekiel 43:7a

Have you ever desired a fresh start in life? The opportunity to have a blank slate bringing along no baggage from the past? A new beginning. The people of Israel were constantly falling into sin and forsaking God, in need of a blank slate. We’re not much different.

Without Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we live as people who are constantly falling on our faces and choosing everything other than God. The good news is, God is the God of new beginnings. In fact, God loves His people so deeply, that He promised to bring His people back to Himself and restore them. 

In these chapters in Ezekiel, Ezekiel receives a prophetic vision of a new temple and then a picture of God’s glory filling this new temple. Now, this temple structure with the dimensions revealed will never actually be built. In fact, this blueprint is less of a blueprint for building and more of a blueprint of a new beginning. God is revealing through this vision that a new temple will be built, and God will restore the relationship with His people. 

It’s the promise of a new beginning for Israel. And for us, we are able to receive this same promise when we come to Christ Jesus. When we believe in Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit and subsequently receive power over our sin, restoration of relationship with God, and healing of our brokenness. Like Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” A new beginning. 

So what are you waiting for? Bring your brokenness and shame to Jesus and let Him give you a new beginning. 

Reflections:

• Does a new beginning in your life seem like a wishful thought rather than an actual reality? Explore this with God.

   

• If you have received Jesus, how have you seen the Holy Spirit bring restoration to your life?  

Application: 

• Look back in your life at your testimony and the way God has brought you a new beginning and how He has kept you by the Holy Spirit. Share this testimony with someone.

   

• Ask God for the courage to share this good news of a new beginning with someone you know that is in need today and pray with them.  
   

Closing Prayer: 
Father God, you are so gracious to offer us new beginnings. I am less than deserving of your grace and love, yet you freely and fully bring me back to you. Thank you Jesus for laying down your life so I could have new life. I ask that you would continue to work this new life within me and restore me, heal me, and free me of anything keeping me from fully experiencing your love. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that guides me and brings me back to you constantly. Help me walk in newness of life today. Amen.