A New Heart I Will Give You

This meditation is based on a passage for May 22, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Ezekiel 36:22-27

Reflection and Question: Ezekiel’s prophecy here, that God will replace the heart of stone with the heart of flesh, is the fulcrum upon which the Old and New Covenants remain in balance for Christians. God chooses to transcend the covenant with Moses and act unilaterally, for the sake of God’s own Holy Name, to give a new heart and a new spirit to God’s people. By God’s action through this new heart of flesh, believers will obey God’s ordinances. This promise was made real in Jesus’ ministry and life, inspiring believers, Jew and Gentile, with a new spirit. From what new heart do you obey God?

Prayer: Eternal God, through Ezekiel’s words You promise Israel, for the sake of Your Holy Name, to reestablish Your covenant by giving them a new heart. Include us with them as Your faithful people and cleanse us too. May we all obey You. Amen.