Ezekiel continued with God’s message to the exiled elders of Israel. Even after receiving God’s blessing of the promised land, Israel had continually aroused the Lord’s anger through their idolatry (28). As a result, God severely judged his people. But even this was done with redemptive purpose. God loved Israel too much to let them become like the other idolatrous nations (32). God would be his people’s ruler for their good, even though it was painful (33). By disciplining them, God would bring them into a covenant relationship with himself (37).

It is wonderful that God is able to cure his people of their idolatry by his discipline. After God did this for Israel, he would restore them from the nations where they were scattered and accept their worship (41). They would finally realize the ugliness of their sin (43). They would understand that they did not get what they deserved, but that God had sanctified them to reveal his glory (44).

Maybe God used some hardship in our own lives to bring us to repentance and faith in Jesus. Now, it is our responsibility to bear the fruit of repentance. We can do so when we know God is faithful to sanctify us and use us for his glory (1Th 5:23-24).
Application: Father, thank you for ruling over me for my good, even when I need the rod of discipline.
One Word: God rules for our good