Our hurting and broken world cries out for healing, unity, reconciliation, and restoration - just as it did in Ezekiel's time. Ezekiel's prophecy to the people of Israel in exile was meant to give them hope. Despite their brokenness and misery, God had not abandoned them. God would restore their nation, heal the divisions, and dwell with them as their God. But it didn't happen exactly in that way. Human power struggles and the clash of nations brought many of these plans to an end. But this beautiful image is God's will - God's dream - and it is one in which we must all take part.

Sometimes our words have meanings far beyond what we intend. And we may hear the truth from some unlikely sources. The high priest was plotting against Jesus and meant that it would be better to kill him before the Romans destroyed the nation (and that is what happened later!). But on another level, his words were profoundly true even if he was unaware of it. Jesus would indeed die for the people - not only Israel but for all people. His death was intended to gather together all the children of God. Again, this has not happened as planned - human fear and selfishness gets in the way. But it is still God's deepest desire. Whenever we put aside fear and selfishness and act with love we are doing the will of God and healing our world. Let us each day take part in this act of universal healing and restoration in all of our thoughts and actions.