July 26, 2023 - Ezekiel 33-36

How the Lord pleads with Israel! “And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?’ Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from all your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (33:10,11). I am so glad that we have a pursuing God! He came after me. He came after us. “As a shepherd seeks out his flock . . . so I will seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered” (34:12). And because he did so, we have life.

There’s a hymn . . .

My soul is so happy in Jesus,

For He is so precious to me;

His voice it is music to hear it,

His face it is Heaven to see.

I am happy in Him,

I am happy in Him;

My soul with delight

He fills day and night

For I am happy in Him.

He sought me so long ere I knew Him,

When wand’ring afar from the fold;

Safe home in His arms He hath bro’t me,

To where there are pleasures untold.

I am happy in Him,

I am happy in Him;

My soul with delight

He fills day and night

For I am happy in Him. -- E. O. Excell (1902)