How does Ezekiel 20:41 illustrate God's desire for a holy people? The Verse in Focus Ezekiel 20:41: “I will accept you as a pleasing aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the lands to which you have been scattered. And I will reveal My holiness through you in the sight of the nations.” A Fragrant Acceptance • “Pleasing aroma” echoes sacrificial language (e.g., Exodus 29:18; Leviticus 1:9) • God Himself promises to “accept” His people—an act of grace, not mere ritual • Acceptance hinges on His initiative: “I bring you… I gather you” Gathered to Be Holy • Scattered Israel is regathered so the Lord can “reveal My holiness through you” • Holiness is not private—it’s displayed “in the sight of the nations” • The covenant theme resurfaces: God sets apart a people who reflect His character (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 2:9) God’s Desire Highlighted 1. Restoration → Relationship – God moves toward His people first, drawing them in (Jeremiah 31:3) 2. Relationship → Reflection – Once accepted, they become living proof of His holiness (Isaiah 60:21) 3. Reflection → Witness – The nations observe and are confronted with the reality of the Holy One (Ezekiel 36:23) Living Out the Pattern Today • Christ’s sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the “pleasing aroma” motif (Ephesians 5:2) • Believers are gathered into one body, the church, to display His holiness (John 17:23) • Practical holiness looks like: – Moral purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3) – Compassionate justice (Micah 6:8) – Distinctive love (John 13:35) Key Takeaways • God’s acceptance is the foundation; holiness is the outcome • Holiness is communal before it is individual—God gathers a people • The ultimate purpose is God’s glory among the nations, not merely personal benefit (Matthew 5:16) |
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