Devotional: New Hearts Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26

Our world and in particular our country is confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest in racial relationships. There have been several suggestions on how we can remedy the problems. Focusing on the racial unrest, it is suggested that statues of southern heroes that contributed to slavery be removed. Another suggestion is that the police departments of our larger cities be defunded. Defunding the police department is controversial because the word “defund” implies different things to different people. At the same time, there are those that removing statues and defunding police departments will prove ineffective in resolving the problem of racial discrimination. The only thing that can effect real change is that people’s heart must change. So, how do we change the hearts of people?

The Old Testament books of prophecy tell us about the fall of the Israelites. Some are taken away into exile by the Assyrians circa. 722 B.C. Later, some are taken away into exile by the Babylonians circa. 605 B. C. - 585 B. C. The prophets are persons called by God to speak on God’s behalf. It is important that we note that the prophets speak for God to God’s people, the Israelites, telling them of their sins that cause their demise. However, the prophets also speak words of encouragement to the people during their captivity, and they speak words of God’s promise for restoration. Before restoration can take place there must be a change in heart that leads to a change in lifestyle.

Ezekiel, one of the prophets of God speaks to the people. He tells the people that even in the land of their captivity they have profaned the name of the Lord. The Lord will vindicate His name among the nations. He is going to restore His people to their land, but before they can return to their lands they must have new hearts. At the present time they have hearts of stone. Their hearts of stone must be removed and replaced with hearts of flesh. This exchange of hearts of stone with hearts of flesh cannot be accomplished by human effort and methodologies. Rather, God Himself must act independently of what people think and say. God will not allow people to receive glory for themselves. Instead, God will act on His behalf to bring glory to Himself.

People of God, we cannot depend of human ways to bring about resolution for the problems that plague our world; our country. We should be about the business of praying, preaching, and teaching people about God and His Son Jesus Christ. It is about love for only love can conquer hate. We cannot love without God taking action to change our hearts.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we pray that your people will demonstrate Your heart of love. Amen.