A Lenten Analysis of Ezekiel 16 (pt. 2)

Last time we were in Ezekiel 16, we discussed the depravity of Israel, who had been "playing the whore" with other nations and false gods. They had abandoned the One who had saved them, raised them up, and blessed them with every good and perfect gift. Their punishment had been named, and God defended said punishment, because they had brought the guilt upon themselves. That should be the end of the story, right? After all, even the NT Scriptures say (though not ideal), adultery is grounds for divorce. Israel had committed infidelity; God had the right to terminate His covenantal vows.

God, displaying both His perfect justice and infinite grace does the unexpected:  He keeps His covenant with Israel. Though they had brought other nations to bed, had given them their precious gifts, and had even sacrificed the lives of their own children, God chooses to be abundantly merciful to the Israelites and vows to keep His promises. Beyond this, though, notice what happens in verse 60 of the chapter. "Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you." Do you see that? God doesn't just keep His established covenant with His adulteress bride; He establishes a new and everlasting covenant! Can you even imagine it? Imagine you had cheated on your spouse, and instead of leaving you, they bind themselves even more closely to you? Instead of kicking you from your bedroom, they build you an entirely new home? It's seemingly illogical. It's arguably reckless. It's fully grace. This is the character and love of the LORD God.

Maybe you've been "playing the whore" now for a while. Maybe you have rebelled against God time and time again. Maybe you still struggle with sin and darkness in your everyday life. Even still:  God still loves you. God still wishes to be in an everlasting relationship with you. God still desires your presence and your praises. God still calls you His bride and invites you to be a part of His very Body. As the Lord declared through Ezekiel, “...So repent and turn from all your sins so that sin won’t keep on being a stumbling block for you. Stop your transgressing—the deeds by which you’ve rebelled—and then make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit (18:30-31)."

Walk into the light this holy season. Confess your sin before God and mankind. Turn to our Heavenly Father. Invite Him in to create within you a new heart.