PRECEDING
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 7-12

"...Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God."  Ezekiel 11:20 NLT

The conjuction 'then' leads us to believe something occurred in the lives of these people that led them to a closer, more intimate knowledge and dependence upon God.

We're right in that assumption!

Wickedness, idolatry and sinfulness had driven a wedge between the original believers--such a wedge that God's only solution was to separate them from Himself.

Captivity, depravity and immorality ran rampant.

Until God stepped back in and cleaned house.

For Jerusalem it took many years of pain and suffering to draw them back, just what will it take for us?

What will precede the 'then' of your walk with God?  What happenings will bring about your full and unwavering commitment to Him?