July 28, 2026 - Ezekiel 12-16

I have always thought that chapter 16 is one of the most powerfully descriptive texts in the prophetic books.  The Lord found Israel in the desert, having just been born, and he took her and washed the birth stuff off her.  He blessed her and clothed her with the finest clothes.  He put fine sandals on her feet and beautiful jewelry on her.  Her fame spread abroad and her beauty was legendary, all because of what the Lord had done for her.  But she acted like a prostitute and turned away from her God.  And yet . . . and yet . . . (God’s mercy is always so amazing!), the Lord ultimately says to her:  “I will deal with you . . . But I will remember the covenant I made with you . . . and I will establish and everlasting covenant with you” (16:59-61)

What am I, O Thou glorious God!

And what my father’s house to Thee,

That Thou such mercies hast bestowed

On me, the chief of sinners, me!

I take the blessing from above,

And wonder at Thy boundless love.

Me in my blood Thy love passed by,

And stopped, my ruin to retrieve;

Wept o’er my soul Thy pitying eye,

Thy bowels yearned, and sounded Live!

Dying, I heard the welcome sound,

And pardon in Thy mercy found.   -- Charles Wesley (1814)