In Ezekiel 36:33-38, God promises to restore what was ruined: rebuilding cities, renewing the land, and breathing life back into a broken people. For Israel in exile, these were words of great hope, not grounded in their faithfulness, but in God's grace and initiative. Ezekiel describes how this work of renewal will draw astonished comparisons from the surrounding nations, being described as "like the garden of Eden." This points to God's work of re-creation, moving his people from disorder, chaos, and destruction to renewal, restoration, and new life.

This Eden metaphor contains a world of meaning, drawing to mind three core realities of God's saving work: God is the sovereign Creator who brings order from chaos; we are image-bearers with purpose, called to reflect his glory in the world; and at the centre of it all is relationship, walking with God and enjoying his presence. This vision of renewal raises a question for us: are we living as people of renewal in a hurried, busy, and distracted world? As followers of Jesus, we are called to abide in his presence, participate in his mission of restoration, and bear witness to his grace so that others might see and glorify his name.