“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” - Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV)

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NRSV)

INTRODUCTION

“The greatest need you and I have—the greatest need of collective humanity—is renovation of our hearts. That spiritual place within us from which outlook, choices, and actions come has been formed by a world away from God. Now it must be transformed”. - Dallas Willard

Ezekiel 11 offers one of Scripture’s greatest promises. Through Christ, God will offer us a new heart capable of obedience to His statutes and ordinances. The heart of stone, marred by sin and selfish desires, does not have to be the core of our being and the driving force in our decision-making. As Dallas so simply states, “We live from our hearts,” and the great truth of Ezekiel is that the renovation of our hearts can, in fact, be made new by the power of the Holy Spirit.

This change of heart is not a revolution of laws or principles but a revolution of character. This revolution, enacted by Christ, “is one that changes [our] ideas, beliefs, feelings, and habits of choice, as well as [our] bodily tendencies and social relations.”

As the inner realities of the person are transformed, so, too, are the outer realities. We are no longer participants in unrighteous acts or systems; we now flee from foolish ways. We live faithfully as God’s people, citizens of His Kingdom, living out the realities of His rule and reign. It becomes easier to seek justice, pursue peace, and live with humility, gentleness, and kindness each day. We can live this way because our hearts and lives have been forever changed and invaded by the love of God.

REFLECTION

Today as we begin this journey of renovating the parts of self into Christlikeness, may we be reminded that this is really possible. God has indeed promised to give us new hearts if we diligently seek Him.

PRAYER

Creator God, You have created a new heart within me. Today, may I live and walk in this newness of life.