"Flocks of Men"

"...so the waste cities be filled with flocks of men." (Ezekiel 36:37-38)   This news would definitely be wonderful to a people who have been ravaged with enemies, famine, death and destruction. The whole chapter is beautiful, passionate and reveals the amazing, personal character of our God and His unconditional love for His people.  He has revealed to Ezekiel what His intention is for His people, a people who have been anything but faithful and are reaping bad consequences of that unfaithfulness.

"Filled with flocks of men":  I love the imagery of the strength, comfort and protection this represents.  First, God provides them.  That's enough right there.  But then He says, "filled with flocks of men".  Why? Again, His answer that has become the central theme of this book: "Then they will know that I am the LORD."  He will reenergize this devastated people with divine, supernatural power.  Men represent authority, strength, resolve.  And especially men provided by God!

And here's a very interesting part to this verse: "This also I will let the house of Israel ask Me to do for them..."  He provides the information but waits for them to ask!!  Interesting!  John MacArthur says, "This prophecy was to stir up the people's prayers."  Let us be stirred up by this passage.  God is ready and able.  Are we being faithful to ask Him to do for us?  We all have "waste cities" in our lives.  We must trust His ability and His timing.  And we cannot give up.   Trust and timing!   Chapter 37 reveals more wonders for the people of Israel written over 2000 years ago; many promises of that chapter have yet to be realized.  Still waiting!  Still trusting!  Perseverance is hard but it's part of the beauty of a believer!  And it's a supernatural gift of the Almighty God Who will be glorified by it!!

"Flocks of men" for the "waste cities" provided by the God of creation who knows our needs and waits for us to acknowledge His power in provision.  "Then you will know that He is the LORD."