Day 321 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ezekiel 16; Hebrews 12)
GREAT SIN, GREAT MERCY
“You bear the penalty of your lewdness and your abominations, declares the Lord.” (Ezekiel 16:58 ESV)
“In a long allegorical satire, Ezekiel equates idolatry with adultery. The underlying theme is one of base ingratitude. Forgetting God’s unmerited gratitude, Jerusalem chases after the favors of idolatrous nations. God has no alternative but to punish her severely. If the Lord can restore someone who has fallen as far as Jerusalem, He can restore anyone. His grace is broad enough to cover even your greatest sin.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1334)
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! REFRAIN
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
(“Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Lutheran Service Book #809 stanza 3)
Heavenly Father, as You forgave Jerusalem, even so forgive me. At the same time, preserve my faith when I must endure the consequences of my sin. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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