July 26, 2024 - Ezekiel 8-11

These chapters depict the visions of Ezekiel concerning the temple in Jerusalem, the abominations committed there by the people, and the departure of God’s Spirit from the temple and from Jerusalem.  God was very angry with his people.  Yet, in the midst of all this:  “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them.  I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them.  And they shall be my people, and I will be their God” (11:19,20).  God’s patience and mercy seem inexhaustible.  Time and again, he punishes and disciplines, but then he shows mercy.  Charles Wesley captures well the plea of one who has turned from God and is in need of his grace.

Jesus, let Thy pitying eye

Call back a wandering sheep;

False to Thee, like Peter, I

Would fain, like Peter, weep;

Let me be by grace restored,

On me be all long-suffering shown;

Turn, and look upon me, Lord,

And break my heart of stone.   –Charles Wesley (1788)