My dwelling shall be with them. (Ezekiel 37:27)
We all know what it’s like to make room in our homes for a new arrival, whether a new baby, a child returning from college, or an ailing parent. We rearrange furniture, do some extra cleaning, and maybe even redecorate—usually with some anxiety about the coming change in our lives.
In today’s first reading, God announces his plan for his glorious presence to return to the Temple and live with his people. Do you think they were all ready for him to come back? From the sounds of it, probably not. Fortunately, however, God promises to help with the rearranging, cleaning, and even rebuilding.
Ezekiel is speaking here of God’s plan to bring Israel back from exile. God will be with them to restore them and redeem them and cleanse them from their sins. He will even make his home with them.
Doesn’t this sound remarkably similar to Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit, who comes to live in every believer (John 14:15-17)? It should! After all, this is the same Holy Spirit who spoke through Ezekiel. The same Holy Spirit who restored Israel is living in and among us. He works, of course, in and through the Church, but he is also at work in your heart. Cleansing? Yes. Restoring? Yes. Redeeming? Yes. Rearranging? Yes!
So ask yourself: What is he working on right now? Is he helping me to rebuild a broken relationship? Or is he just helping me open my heart more to his grace? Is he shining his light on some area of darkness in my heart that needs to be dealt with? Or is he comforting me and encouraging me through a difficult period?
Never forget that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit! No matter how many condemning, discouraging, or frustrating thoughts are swirling around your mind right now, cling to this truth. Take a moment or two to quiet your heart and turn to the Holy Spirit. Ask him to help you hear his voice of encouragement and inspiration. Turn to him as often as you need to today, and watch as he gives you his peace and his wisdom.
“Holy Spirit, I welcome you into my heart. Come and restore me, Lord!”
Jeremiah 31:10-13; John 11:45-56