New Beginnings Through the Eyes of Ezekiel

From head to hands. The theological truth of new beginnings is foundational in our faith. We confess that God is a God of second chances, a God who makes all things new. This doctrine is not just a nice saying; it is a creedal statement that has implications for our lives. Ezekiel, a prophet of the exile, brings this truth to life in powerful ways. He illustrates God's desire to restore and renew His people, even when they seem farthest from Him. The book of Ezekiel is packed with imagery of dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37:1-14), and these images serve as a promise of hope and restoration. Our faith stands on the belief that God can transform desolation into flourishing life. This is not just a principle; it is the heartbeat of our relationship with Christ. We affirm that through Jesus, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and that our past does not define our future. This theological truth is a pillar of our belief system, reminding us that God's mercy reigns where sin abounds (Romans 5:20). In essence, new beginnings are not just a possibility; they are a reality in Jesus Christ.

Truth in Flesh and Blood

But bodies complicate things: the reality of new beginnings is often met with the weight of our physical existence. Ezekiel experienced this firsthand as he witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people. His body bore the scars of exile, and he had to live with the tension of hope in a broken world. As a construction company owner, I've seen how the physical and tangible aspects of our lives shape our understanding of God's work. A building being torn down and rebuilt reflects this cycle of destruction and renewal. Just like those bones in Ezekiel's vision, our lives often feel like a pile of rubble, waiting for the breath of God to bring them back to life.

Take a moment to think about your daily grind. Whether it’s navigating through a busy morning traffic jam or standing in line at the grocery store, life throws curveballs that challenge our faith in the promise of new beginnings. Our struggles—financial stress, health concerns, relationship conflicts—often cloud the hopeful truths we confess. We might feel like that valley of dry bones, lifeless and without hope. But in the middle of our real-life battles, God invites us to participate in His work of restoration. We engage in physical practices like prayer, servanthood, and community involvement, which embody our belief in new beginnings. The way we treat our coworkers, speak to our families, and even care for strangers reflects our understanding of God's renewing power. It reminds us that we are not stuck; we are in the process of becoming. Like Ezekiel, we must declare life into the lifeless around us, trusting that God can breathe new life into every situation.

Truth in Relationship

In real life: relationships are where new beginnings often hit the hardest. Family dynamics can be a battlefield. There are moments when my teenagers push every button I have, testing my patience and the lessons I've taught them. It's in these moments that the theology of new beginnings is put to the test. How do I model forgiveness, grace, and hope for them? Ezekiel's relationships with his people were strained, filled with disappointment and rebellion. Yet, God called him to speak life into those very relationships.

Think about your own community. Maybe it's your church, where you sit next to someone who has hurt you or a neighbor who never seems to return your greetings. New beginnings in relationships require vulnerability and honesty. They demand that we confront difficult conversations and forgive when it feels impossible. I recall a time when I had to reconcile with a business partner after a rough project. The air was thick with tension, and the past loomed over us like a dark cloud. But if we are to embody the truth of new beginnings, we must be willing to step into those uncomfortable spaces with love and humility. Ezekiel's call was not just a solitary task; it involved his community, his relationships with those around him. When we take that step of faith, we pave the way for transformation, not just in ourselves but also in others. This is how we live out the promise of renewal: by breathing life into our broken relationships and trusting that God is at work.

Truth at the Kitchen Sink

When the rubber meets the road: the ordinary tasks of daily life provide a unique space for new beginnings. Think about the rhythm of your day. From washing dishes at the kitchen sink to fixing a leaky faucet, these mundane moments are opportunities to encounter God. Ezekiel was called to prophetic action in the middle of his everyday life, facing the realities of exile while holding onto the truth of restoration.

In our busy lives, we often overlook how these small acts can reflect God's renewing work