Out Text this morning, Ezekiel 39:25-29, ends magnificently!
It is the culminating Paragraph of the Bible Account of God’s defeating a massive army, one attacking Israel. Or planning to attack anyway, to spoil (rob) that wealthy little Country …
A great Battle which involves some huge nations, poised to conquer Israel. “God and Magog,” along with “Persia (Iran), Ethiopia and Libya!” Plus “Gomer” (Germany) as well! (These nations are identifiable yet to this very day! Primarily Russia and her allies.)
God defeats this coalition, killing all but “the sixth part!” It will take Israel “seven months” to bury all the dead!
But then our Text, sort of a general summary … “25 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely in their land, and none made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them again from the people, and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations; 28 Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there. 29 Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 39:25-29
That last verse has captivated my attention … “Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.”
Did you notice the Lesson title?
Verse 29 looks to me like a Parallel to the “Day of Pentecost” in Acts chapter 2. God plans to again “pour out” His (Holy) Spirit! Once upon the Church! Now upon His favorite Nation!
The verb “pour out” is “shaphak,” and in Hebrew means (and is translated) “to gush out” once! A copious Gift!
Zechariah 12:10 is similar … “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications.”
And the result?
Salvation for Israel!
Sanctification too!
And an eternity of service to the Lord God Almighty!
Wow!
“3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: 4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses. 5 One shall say, I am the LORD’S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.” Isaiah 44:3-5 here seems to be describing the same glorious Event.
Yes, the Holy Spirit is God’s “Comforter” to mankind! (This is Jesus’ favorite Name for the Spirit.)
God’s “Completer” one Preacher said.
Yet He is so neglected today.
Christian friend reading here today, do you know Him?
One God, triune in Persons, Essence!
Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
Each Member of the Godhead being active in every aspect of our Christian lives! (As He was in every aspect of Creation, for that matter!)
Israel, her best days are still coming.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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