God’s plan of salvation of course is focused on
the cross of the Messiah. But the issue
we are concerned with here is one of prophecy: how will God bring about the
application of the cross to Israel as a nation?
This passage in Ezekiel states four phases, if you will, of that
work. These four appear in other places
(Ezek. 34; Zechariah 11-14, etc.).
·
First is the regathering, v34. Scripture teaches that God will bring Israel
back to the land and there He will bring them through the fire. That is why so many people are convinced that
what has been happening in Israel these days is fulfilled prophecy. The nation is certainly not saved; but they
are in the geographical location where salvation is destined to happen.
o Note
the word fury. This is the term that speaks of God’s attitude
toward sin after His wrath and
anger. It is His burning anger, like the
sting of a scorpion that burns hot in the body of its victim. God is saying here He will have the same hot
intensity in bringing back His people to the land. A similar thought is in Zech. 8:2. God has great fervency for Zion.
·
Then there is some sort of wilderness experience, v35.
In the wilderness is where God pleads His case. It includes the times of tribulation that
must come upon His people in the latter days.
It is the desert experience of Rev. 12.
The nation 2/3 decimated (Zech. 13:8) will be a remnant protected by God
from the greatest onslaught of antichrist.
·
Third, Israel is brought into relationship with
God by the New Covenant, v37. The
passing under the rod (tribulation) will bring the remnant to the place of the
covenant, where God’s law is written on their hearts and they know Him in
truth.
·
Finally, there is a saved nation, v38. The tribulation purges the nation of rebels
so what is left is holy unto the LORD!
This is no chance plan by
God. Rather it is the plan of the
all-wise God who seeks advice from no one.
He will do this by His own zeal.
In that day all will know that He is the LORD!
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