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.
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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