November 5

"For this, moreover, will I be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them." Ezekiel 36:37

God is here expressing his purpose to increase the house of Israel like a flock. Those unacquainted with him will ask why, if he wants to do this, he does not himself simply give the increase. Surely no one could stand in his way! But here he states his condition. He will do it for them if he is inquired of concerning it by the house of Israel. The principle is unmistakable: God has a purpose already determined, but he will not force it.

From this we can move to the Church's function before God today. Never let us think of the Church simply as a place for meetings. No, the Church is a group of people, redeemed by the precious blood, regenerated by the Spirit, and committed into God's hand for the role of inquiry of him in prayer until his will in the earth is brought to pass. The smallest group of Christians praying contributes to that. God will do whatever he has set himself to do, through the Church's prayer.