DCLM Daily Manna 2025: DCLM Daily Manna 6 June 2025: The T & c of Blessings
KEY VERSE:
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.” – (Ezekiel 36:37).
READ: Ezekiel 36:28-38 (NIV)
28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. 30 I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine. 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices. 32 I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel!
33 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. 35 They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.” 36 Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’
37 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, 38 as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
When you see the statement, “Terms and conditions apply” in a sales promotion, advertisement or other messages that make an offer of certain benefits, what do you make of it? The statement means that you cannot enjoy the benefit(s) offered without accepting the terms and conditions spelled out by the advertiser. You are required to enter a sort of contract with the person making the offer.
Similarly, when God makes promises, most times, those promises come with terms and conditions (T&C). We see this play out in today’s text. God, through Prophet Ezekiel, assured the exiled Jews of a gracious restoration, not only to their land but also to favour and cordial relationship with Him. Ezekiel chapter 36 is filled with God’s “I wills” eight of which are found in today’s text alone. These delightsome promises cover a long range of areas that meant so much to them. For instance, He promised to be their God, cleanse them, restore them to their rightful possessions, and give them a bumper harvest. He sealed the promise by saying, “I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.” Here is the T&C of these promises: “I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them.”
Many Christians are content to read the promises of God in the Bible and hope that the promises will automatically be fulfilled in their lives. It is true that God honours His word and will liberally give out blessings, especially to those who are in good standing with Him. However, as a general principle, He expects us to pray to “draw down” the blessings.
It is a general testimony of the Scripture that those who earnestly seek the Lord will find Him. Our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear, “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:8). Whatever you desire from God today – salvation, sanctification, the Spirit’s in-filling, provision, healing, protection… you need to pray. Prayer is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God and the expression of our faith in His faithfulness. And He delights in it.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Your attitude of prayer reflects what God means to you.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 3-5
Daily Manna 6 June 2025
