A New Heart — Reflection on Ezekiel 36:26

By Pastor Ethan Mpozembizi

Hello, family. This is Pastor Ethan, and I want to share a short reflection on the theme of A New Heart.

When we are young, we often believe we are invincible. We think nothing can touch us — that our strength will never fade. But as time goes on, our bodies remind us of our limits. The aches, the fatigue, the diagnosis we never expected — these remind us that life is fragile.

For some, a physical heart transplant becomes the only way to survive. When the heart is failing and the lungs begin to collapse, doctors rush to act. Unless a new heart is found, life will slip away. And yet, when that new heart arrives — when a surgeon replaces what is dying with something full of life — hope is reborn.

But here’s the thing: in order for one person to live, someone else must give up their heart. Someone must die so another can have life.

And that, dear friends, is the story of our salvation.

The Spiritual Heart

Just as the body can fail, so can our spiritual heart. When we lose our fire for God, when our faith feels numb, when bitterness or pride take root, it’s a sign that something inside is breaking down. Maybe you’ve been hurt, criticized, or made to feel unwelcome. Maybe guilt or regret has hardened your heart.

But there is hope — because the Great Physician still operates today.

God speaks in Ezekiel 36:26:

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.”

Only God can perform this kind of surgery. Only He can remove what is cold, stubborn, and lifeless — and replace it with something tender, responsive, and full of grace.

Entering the Surgeon’s Room

To receive a new heart, we must enter the operating room — spiritually speaking. We must surrender what is dying and trust the hands of the Master Surgeon.

Maybe what needs to die is that habit that’s stealing your joy. Maybe it’s a relationship that’s pulling you away from God. Maybe it’s pride, unforgiveness, or fear. Whatever it is, God can take what’s broken and replace it with something beautiful.

The question is — will you let Him?

An Invitation to Renewal

Today, God is inviting you to trust Him with your heart. He wants to breathe new life into you — to fill you with His Spirit, His peace, and His love.

Enter into His presence. Enter into prayer. Step away from what is draining your soul, and step toward the One who can make you whole.

Jesus already gave His life so that you might live. The donor heart has already been given. The question is, will you receive it?

Reflection Verse

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” – Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV)

Prayer:
Lord, take my heart of stone and make it tender again. Remove what is lifeless within me and replace it with Your Spirit. Help me to love as You love and to live as You call me to live. Amen.