God
is gracious. Despite all the sin of Israel, described in great detail
in these chapters of Ezekiel, God still says, “I will accept you as
fragrant incense” (Ezekiel 20:41). He still says, “I deal with you for My Name’s sake and not according to your evil ways and your corrupt practices” (Ezekiel 20:44).
How does God deal with us in mercy and grace? He does so through Jesus
Christ: “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Concerning Jerusalem, the Psalmist prays, “May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels” (Psalm 122:7). This
is what we have “in Christ” - peace and security. In Him, we have been
removed from the realm of our own sin and guilt. We have been placed
in His peace and security.
2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27 Help us, Lord, to learn from the failure of King Uzziah. He began well – “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord … He set himself to seek God” (2 Chronicles 26:4-5). He lost his way – “When he was strong, he grew proud, and he was false to the Lord his God” ( 2 Chronicles 26:16). Help us, Lord, to become better people – not bitter people!
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