This chapter has further prophesy against Gog / Magog, and further promise that God will restore Israel.
” ‘…Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God… And the nations shall know that… Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they dealt so treacherously with me that… I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and their transgressions, and hid my face from them… Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel… They shall forget their shame and all the treachery they have practiced against me… when I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them from their enemies’ lands, and through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations.’ ” (v22-27 abr)
Have you ever thought to yourself “God allowed me to suffer consequences for my sin, so I could be a testimony to others”? If not, you’re probably not the only one, and I’m guessing several from Israel weren’t praising God for their ‘punishment’ either. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, allowed Israel, His chosen people, to suffer greatly for their sin, so when He restored them they’d be an example for all other nations.
Our redemption stories can have a similar impact. Some stories are dramatic (a black-to-white lifestyle change) and other testimonies are more subtle (a gradual change over a period of years [like me]). Some stories involve physical miracles, others involve spiritual ones. No matter what transformation / redemption looks like, these personal testimonies of redemption have great power for the one who experienced it, and for those who experience it through them.
Let’s embrace our powerful redemption stories, and share them ‘with all the nations’ (or at least those in our circles). By doing so, we are encouraged, we encourage others to begin / deepen their relationship with Christ, and we bring glory to God.
Father God, our Sovereign Creator who provides for our every need (including our need for salvation). Thank you for the gift of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Please embolden us to share our testimonies willingly and joyfully, knowing that others will be encouraged to seek Your presence. May we bring You honor and glory, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training