Sometimes the future seems very bleak and gloomy. When our world collapses around us, we sometimes wonder where God is and there is the temptation to lose hope. Ezekiel assured the exiles in Babylon that God had not abandoned them. God planned a glorious future for them, one in which their nation would be restored with justice. A covenant of peace would be established with them and God would dwell among them. This is always God's intention, and when we are stumbling in darkness it is helpful to turn to these words for inspiration and comfort.

Our words sometimes have a meaning of which even we are unaware. The high priest called for the death of Jesus out of political convenience. The authorities were fearful because many were turning to Jesus. The words of the priest were an unwitting prophecy. Interpreted on a higher level, they spoke of the salvation and unification that would result from his death. All of the scattered children of God would be gathered together. God brings good out of evil human actions and events. Even in the midst of darkness, there is the presence of light. God is already at work in the most negative situations and He uses our words and actions for His own purpose. This is when faith is most important, for faith is the ability to walk bravely ahead even when the way is not clear.