I need it, but how much do I express it?
For the third time in Ezekiel, we see an encounter where the Lord speaks to Ezekiel. In chapters 1-3, 8, and now 20, the Lord continues revealing His heart to Ezekiel, giving him words to share with His people. This time, He reminds them of their continued rebellion and His enduring grace.
"But they rebelled against Me and would not obey Me... Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness... Notwithstanding, the children rebelled against Me... 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Are you defiling yourselves in the manner of your fathers, and committing harlotry according to their abominations?" Ezekiel 20:8, 13, 21, 30
We see this historical picture of Israel's repeated rebellion, yet also the Lord's continued grace and mercy. It's bittersweet to read. On one hand, we see generations resisting the very grace God extended to them. On the other, we see His unwavering faithfulness, even in the midst of their unfaithfulness.
We, like Israel, desperately need God's grace. But do our lives express it?
We boast about the Lord's grace, but do we cheapen it by how we choose to live?
Grace is freely given, but it was never intended to leave us unchanged. To truly understand the grace of God is to allow that grace to transform our hearts, renew our minds, and shape how we live. His grace doesn't excuse our rebellion; it calls us to repentance and empowers us to walk in obedience.
And when our lives fail to reflect His grace, may we find ourselves at the altar, humbly asking Him to continue His transforming work within us.
The Lord has been faithful long before our years, and if He tarries, His faithfulness will continue long after us. His character has never changed. His grace remains sufficient, and His mercy is beyond measure.
May we never become so familiar with His grace that we fail to be transformed by it. May our lives be a living expression of His faithful grace!
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.