"Prophesy To The Mountains Of Israel"

The title for our message this week is actually the title for Ezekiel Chapter 36. Even though this chapter is referred to as a prophesy, some of the prophesied events have already taken place since it was written in 593 B.C.; some events are happening currently and some will happen in the future. For the last couple of months our messages have been about how the Jewish people became God's Chosen People and was an abbreviated history of Israel. This week we start a series of messages about current day Israel and its future. Our purpose for this new series is to show that what Jehovah God Promises, He Does To Perfection.

Ezekiel 36:1,2 says, "Son of man prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, 'O mountains of Israel, hear the word of The Lord. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The enemy said of you, aha! The ancient heights have become our possession.'" These prophesied events have taken place numerous times in the past as Israel has been under foreign control. However, Jehovah God did not abandon His people when he says in verse 7, "I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn." Israel has had to fight a number of wars but with the might and the power of God they have been victorious every time. Also, many of the empires or nations that have fought against Israel do not even exist today. God Keeps His Promises!

This prophesy continues in Ezekiel 36:11 when God says, "I will increase the number of men and animals upon you, and they will be fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am The Lord." In the very early years of Israel, it was primarily a barren dessert. Today Israel produces some of the largest and delicious fruits in the world through advanced irrigation techniques. Also, this verse talks about the people of Israel becoming prosperous and today Israel has one of the strongest economies in the world and its people are prosperous to a large degree. God Keeps His Promises!

Lastly, we raise the question - why does God keep His promises? I believe there are two primary reasons - He is a Covenant Keeping God and He is keeping the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenant!s Also Ezekiel 36:11 says, "Then you will know that I am The Lord." Jehovah God is keeping His Promises so that the whole world will know that He Is The King Of Kings And The Lord Of Lords. Hallelujah! We are just getting started. Stay Tuned!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Each Day,

Frank