"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Monday, November 18, 2024 - Day 323 (Through the Bible in a year reading 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 grace, 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.” (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!
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!
(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
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