What role does "remember your ways" play in repentance and restoration? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 36 unfolds God’s promise to bring Israel back from exile, cleanse them, and give them a new heart. Nestled in that promise is the phrase: “Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations.” (Ezekiel 36:31) Here, “remember your ways” is not an optional exercise; it is a Spirit-initiated step in the larger story of repentance and restoration. Why Remembering Matters • Awakens conscience—exposing sin for what it is (Psalm 51:3) • Generates godly sorrow—“you will loathe yourselves” (2 Corinthians 7:10) • Humbles the heart—making room for grace (James 4:6) • Breaks self-deception—ending excuses and half-truths (1 John 1:8) • Prepares for cleansing—paving the way for verses 25-27: “I will sprinkle clean water on you… I will give you a new heart” A Biblical Pattern of Remembering • Israel in the wilderness: remembering slavery produced gratitude and obedience (Deuteronomy 8:2) • David after sin with Bathsheba: recalling his ways birthed Psalm 51’s confession • The prodigal son: “he came to his senses” by rehearsing his failed choices (Luke 15:17-18) • The Ephesian church: “Remember from where you have fallen” (Revelation 2:5) From Remorse to Restoration 1. Recognition—eyes opened by the Spirit (John 16:8) 2. Repentance—turning from sin with loathing (Ezekiel 36:31) 3. Reception—embracing God’s cleansing and new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) 4. Renewal—walking in His statutes (Ezekiel 36:27) 5. Rejoicing—magnifying God’s grace (Psalm 32:1-2) Fruit Produced by Remembering • Gratitude for mercy received • Vigilance against returning to old patterns (Romans 6:12-14) • Empathy toward others wrestling with sin (Galatians 6:1) • Authentic worship that flows from a redeemed life (John 4:23) Practical Ways to “Remember Your Ways” Today • Invite Scripture to search you—regularly read passages like Psalm 139:23-24 • Journal honest reflections—write both failures and God’s interventions • Confess aloud—privately to God and, when appropriate, to a trusted believer (James 5:16) • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper—designed to remember both sin’s cost and Christ’s cure (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) • Share testimony—recounting former ways and present grace (Mark 5:19) Takeaway Remembering our ways is the Spirit’s doorway into genuine repentance and God-given restoration. Far from trapping us in shame, it escorts us to the cleansing fountain, the new heart, and the joy of walking freshly with the Lord. |
    |