Ezekiel 16

Ezekiel 16 is a vivid depiction of God's love for Israel. The illustration is poignant with meaning. I've seen and read stories in the news over the years about new born babies being left to their demise in a dumpster, garbage can, or thrown down a laundry chute. According to God that was the equivalent of Israel's situation when He initially took them in. They were left for dead, orphans with no one to care for them. God took them in cared for them and even lavished them with comely gifts. He made them His own. Not only that but made them His prize possession. Even to the point of taking them in spiritual marriage. 

Their response was to go into idolatry and harlotry. Actually, they were even worse then harlots. Harlots are paid for their services, but God tells us that Israel was so abominable that they paid others to come in unto them. It was a continual slap in the face to God. He tells us that their behavior is even worse then that of Sodom. For centuries God endured this behavior always trying to show them the dangers of their ways and win them back to purity and a committed relationship to Him. 

I encourage you to read this chapter this week and to really ponder what God does for His people, for you. After all, without Him we all are destitute just as Israel was prior to His taking them in. Where would you be today without the marvelous results of God's plan of salvation working in your life? I have not quoted anything this week because I don't feel it does justice to God's beautiful illustration displayed in this chapter, it's a must read to fully appreciate and take in God's view of His church and His people.