Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
You've probably heard the saying, "It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks." Now I've never actually tried to teach an old dog new tricks, but I assume it's difficult, but not impossible. It probably takes a bit more prodding, patience and encouragement. An old dog wants to be rewarded for his obedience. It might be a puppy treat or a belly rub.
Most of this week, the readings have come from the prophet Ezekiel. God is speaking to him today encouraging the people to change their ways. He promises that their hearts will be cleansed and a new spirit poured upon them. They will have a life in the spirit. A stony heart has no life; it can't beat. But a heart of flesh has life in the spirit and can do great things. And by doing this God promises that they will have plenty of reward for their obedience. In life, we have relationships which may have soured, that have no more life. When we speak of loving someone, we often say that we give our hearts to one another. But when that love dies, the hearts break or have turned to stone. But God promises, with our obedience, that he will give us a new heart, a new life in the Spirit. We just have to be open to it. Sure, like training an old dog, we might need extra patience, encouragement or prodding. But once we accept, then the reward is much bigger than a puppy treat….it's a great big belly rub from God!!!
