| Day 468: Read today's devotional on Bible Gateway. Restored"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob. For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them. I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards. And when I punish the neighboring nations that treated them with contempt, they will know that I am the Lord their God."
(Ezekiel 28:25-26) ReflectHere in the middle of a section on God's judgments against the nations, Ezekiel includes a brief paragraph promising to deliver Israel. It seems out of place, but it actually helps us better understand the other judgments surrounding it. The whole purpose for God's judgment announcements against foreign nations is to remind Israel of who God is. He is the God who is moving nations around like chess pieces in order to bless Israel. He is fully in control and working to bring the people of Israel back from the nations they've been scattered to. This is one reason why the words "Sovereign Lord" appear over and over. The Lord of Israel is sovereign over Israel's enemies, not just Israel alone. We need to be reminded of the same things. God is not at work just in the lives of his people. God is moving individuals and nations around for his purposes—even ones who have set themselves up against him. RespondWhen you read and hear about world events, take time to consider what God's purpose might be for the nations in the news. Look for his hand. You can be sure it's there. | 
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