I studied Ezekiel with my small group a while back (in August, ’22!), and in the book is what the authors of our study guide called the Recognition Formula. (We used a study guide from the LifeChange series by Navpress.)

A little background: Ezekiel is a contemporary prophet of Daniel, Jeremiah and 2 of the minor prophets, Habbakuk and Zephania. He was a priest of the Lord, who was called to be a prophet as his ministry was about to begin. His wife died in the first years of his ministry, and he was not allowed to mourn. Prophets did not have a flashy, easy life. Don’t listen to those prosperity preachers! 😉

His ministry was to bring the hearts of Israel, particularly of the leaders, to God. Within this message comes the Recognition Formula. It appears over 50 times in this book, and once you see it, you will find it in various forms, throughout Scripture.

Ezekiel 6:7 ESV

And the slain shall fall in your midst, and you shall know that I am God.

Our small group studied through the Psalms when we finished Ezekiel, and we found the formula in many of them. I am doing a Read Through the Bible in a Year plan, and I just spotted this in Exodus. Seven times in only 3 chapters. I’m certain if you search this phrase, hundreds of verses will come up.

“...you shall know that I am God“. God’s purpose for our life events are to point to Him, and to point your hearts to reconcile to Him. Ever so eloquently Ezekiel shows how God will restore the heart who searches for Him.

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.“

Ezekiel 36:26 ESV

Friends, this world is dark; but there is a Light that nothing in this world can extinguish. Look for God, seek Him while He may be found and let Him give you a new heart; a heart of flesh.

You can email me if you’d like a Bible, or have any questions about this post.

barb@stampinopolous.com

God bless 🌻

Study guide for Ezekiel can be found here: https://www.christianbook.com/ezekiel-lifechange-bible-study/9781615217366/

How to Faith a Life Bible Reading Plan can be found here: https://howtofaithalife.samcart.com/courses/course/gracebiblereadingplan/

I am not an affiliate of any links in this post. 😉