I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
In a devotion recently, I shared the Dr. Seuss story of The Sneetches. Another Seuss story comes to mind today: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! We are all familiar with the story of the stony-hearted, cynical Grinch who found the joy of others so unbearable that he tried to steal what he thought were the objects of their happiness, only to find it didn’t work. Their joy came not from the gifts but from their hearts. By the end of the tale, the Grinch’s heart has transformed from “stone” to “flesh,” and he learns the true meaning of Christmas—love, kindness, and community.
Ezekiel 36:26 and the Grinch’s story emphasize the possibility of inner transformation. The Grinch’s journey mirrors the promise of spiritual renewal described in the Bible. Just as God promises to give a new heart to His people, the Grinch receives a new heart through love and acceptance.
Here is the good news that the world desperately needs to hear–God is still doing this! When we accept Jesus Christ, he takes our calloused, negative, and bitter hearts and gives us new hearts of love and compassion. Living by his Spirit, allowing continual transformation, we, like the Grinch, may have our hearts grow three sizes into the hearts of flesh God desires.
Gracious Father, We come before you, recognizing our need for transformation. Your promise in Ezekiel 36:26 speaks of a new heart that beats with your love, grace, and compassion. Lord, take away our hearts of stone—those hardened by sin, bitterness, and selfishness. Replace them with hearts of flesh, tender and responsive to your leading. Breathe your Spirit into us, O God. Fill us with wisdom, humility, and understanding. May our thoughts align with yours, and may our actions reflect the character of Christ. Heal our brokenness, dear Lord. Restore relationships, mend wounds, and reconcile hearts. May forgiveness flow freely, and may love bind us together as a community of believers. Empower us to love as you love, even when it’s challenging. Teach us to extend grace, lift up the fallen, and be channels of your peace. Let our lives testify to your transformative power. We surrender our hearts to you, knowing you alone can make them new. May our desires align with your will, and may our lives bring glory to your holy name. We pray in the precious name of Jesus’ the Lord of our hearts. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Comments