July 30, 2025 - Ezekiel 16-21

Ezekiel 16 is that wonderful chapter in which the Lord reminds his people about who they are and what he has done for them.  On the day they were born (using the metaphor of birth and growth), no one cared for them.  They were left out in the desert where they would die.  But the Lord (that’s the thing . . . “But the Lord!”) picked her up, washed her, and covered her with fine clothes.  Not only that, but he adorned Israel with wonderful jewelry and gave her an abundance to eat.  Because of the Lord, she was beautiful!

But Israel played the whore.  She trusted in her idols and her international alliances.  She rejected the very one who had blessed her and provided for her.  So, the Lord will discipline, but ultimately, he says:  “Yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant.  Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed . . . you shall know that I am the Lord . . . when I atone for all that you have done, declares the Lord God” (16:60-63).  And, over and over again, through these chapters, the Lord announces his discipline against his people, but it is always gracious discipline.  The goal?  “Then you will know that I am the Lord” (17:21; 20:38,42,44; 21:5).  To know the Lord!!!

O’erwhelmed with thy stupendous grace,

I shall not in thy presence move;

But breathe unutterable praise,

And rapturous awe, and silent love.

Pardon’d for all that I have done,

My mouth as in the dust I hide,

And glory give to God alone,

My God forever pacified!   -- Charles Wesley (1790)