Worship Preparation - February 9, 2025
Read the sermon text: Ezekiel 35:1-36:15
Read the sermon summary: We like to root for the underdog and we despise the gloating of the victorious. In our passage for this Sunday, the Israelites have been defeated. Edom not only played a role in their defeat, they also gloated in their victory and magnified themselves against God. Because of this, Ezekiel is to speak of their utter desolation and of the complete restoration of God's people. But there may be more to these chapters than a simple contrast of destruction versus restoration. In the first place, we've just seen this Davidic figure who will be a shepherd and ruler over God's people (chapter 34). What role will this figure play in the gathering of God's people? Second, in speaking of the restoration of God's people, Israel itself is pictured as the land. God will till and sow them, multiply people on them and make them fruitful, and people will walk on them (v. 8-12). Third, there seems to be a wordplay with the terms Edom and Adam (meaning "people"), indicating something about who is included in this reconstituted people of God.
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
Goodness Of God
Verse 1
I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I've been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God
Chorus
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
Verse 2
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night
You are close like no other
I've known You as a father
I've known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God
Bridge
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after
It's running after me
CCLI Song #7117726
Ben Fielding | Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson
© 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon; SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Fellow Ships Music; So Essential Tunes; Bethel Music Publishing
For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com
CCLI License #11078052