TRANSFORM: DAY 32

SCRIPTURE READING - DAY 32


Ezekiel 36:25-28

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you,
and you will be clean; I will cleanse you
from all your filthiness and from all
your idols.

Moreover, I will give you a new heart
and put a new spirit within you; and
I will remove the heart of stone from
your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
I will put my Spirit within you and cause
you to walk in my statutes, and you will
be careful to observe My ordinances.
You will live in the land that I gave to
your forefathers; so you will be My
people, and I will be your God. (NASB)


MEDITATION BY Larry Lighty


Words cannot fully convey the enormous impact this passage has had on my life. In the early years of my walk with God, the picture of the “heart transplant” evoked powerful responses deep within me.

Without condemnation, I was convicted anew of my fallen nature and of the sure knowledge that my stony heart would never enable me to adequately love him or live life his way.

It also uncovered and kindled in me a deep, holy longing to be “free from this body of death” and transformed into the person that he yearns for me to be. For decades, in fact, this passage helped fuel my hope and motivation for the long journey of faith, even in the face of the inevitable setbacks and challenges.

In my mid-50s now, I look back with gratitude on the ways he has brought forth growth and healing in me. Yet, I’ve also found myself as troubled as ever when I still slip up in certain areas that I’ve repeatedly tried to change. At those times, discouragement can set in even though I know he loves me unconditionally. Occasionally, I am even tempted to conclude that I am hopelessly stuck or too old to change. Yet, through this passage from Ezekiel, my hope is renewed.

First, it reminds me that God’s promise is not nullified by my setbacks. A new heart is mine, one that loves God and is responsive to him! It cannot help but beat more in synchrony with his heart as the years go by.

Second, this “transplant” is beyond a one-time event at my conversion. Other passages clarify that its outward manifestation is a step-by-step process that continues to emerge over time. In fact, I can glance back and see that I have been growing, mostly bit by bit, even in those areas that are more resistant to change.

Third, I’ve been struck with who the driving force is for the transformation promised in this passage: it is not you or me…it is him. It’s his work, not ours. He emphasizes this point six times in these few verses alone. While it’s true that he asks us to share his yoke, it’s also clear that he bears the brunt of the load.

For me, these insights bring renewed hope and encouragement, especially when the journey gets rough. I may find myself discouraged like the exiles in Babylon or the disciples in the dark hours before the resurrection, but I do well to remember that transformation, God’s triumph, is lingering just beyond the horizon.




REFLECTION


What aspects of this passage, if any, stir up yearning or other strong feelings in you?


Ponder again how crushed the disciples must have felt after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial; and how God planned to turn apparent tragedy into triumph and transformation.


Recall a time in your life when, despite your discouragement or despair, God opened a pathway for change or growth. What might be a next step you could take to better fuel your “heart of flesh?”