When they come there, they will remove from it all its detestable things and all its abominations. I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:18-19

As we reflect on the Weekly Theme, ALPHA, God's message to Ezekiel is that he should convey to the people, that if they give up their sinful ways and idolatry, they will be made new and right with God. King David in Psalm 51:10: said “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” When we surrender and repent, it is God who does the work of cleansing our hearts and minds.

During the Civil War, American evangelist D.L. Moody said: “I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride, selfishness, ambition and everything contrary to Gods’ law, the Holy Spirt will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride, conceit, ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God. We must be emptied before we can be filled.”

The verses, from Ezekiel can also give us insight into the ”Alpha Beginning” that is to come many centuries after this writing. Jesus, the ”Arising Son” will be born in Bethlehem, suffer and die on the cross and in three days rise from the dead. Through Christs’ death and Resurrection, our sins are washed away and we are given new life through baptism and the Holy Spirit.

Lord you are the Alpha and Omega. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us, through your Son Jesus Christ who is the Arising Son. Amen

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash