THE AMAZING PROMISE OF RESURRECTION
Ezekiel was called to prophesy to the Jewish exiles in Babylon and those scattered throughout the nations. This was a time when Israel has ceased to exist as a nation. In the national sense, it was dead. So, this resurrection prophecy might first be considered symbolic of a day when the nation of Israel would be reconstituted and restored. In the symbolic sense, this prophecy has been fulfilled. For in May 1948, Israel was declared a nation. Can you think of a nation that was dead for 2,000 years and then reborn? I can think of only one. Israel.
Yet, we believe that this prophecy given to Ezekiel is also to be taken in the literal sense. As Jesus said, “For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).
Resurrection is at the heart of Christianity. For Jesus raised Lazarus after his body lay in the tomb for four days, saying, “Come forth!” And Lazarus came forth. Even more, Jesus Himself was raised on the third day to show His power over sin, death and the grave. Therefore, it is no leap of faith to believe that the One who has been raised, will one Day say to us, “Come forth!” And we will also be raised.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we look forward to the Day when our faith shall become sight. We have placed our faith in the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ and Your promised Word of our resurrection. We live in this hope, knowing that You are able. Therefore, we tell others. Open up eyes and hearts as we share the good news of Jesus and His promise of eternal life. In His name we pray, amen.