The first time I read Ezekiel 16, I cried all the way through it. It's a story of God's heart, as a betrayed husband; with every jealousy, hurt, rage, or emotion felt by humans.
Yet, whenever we're hurting, few consider if we're doing the same things to God. Whether spiritually, literally, or both … perhaps, each of us has once been such a person who betrayed God.
Just as dust returns to dust, blood returns to blood (vs. 22, 36), 'til the pride of man be broken (vs.15) and we're ready to accept God's way (vs. 55); whatever that may be. And, just when you see your blood for what it is and you're ready to accept the punishment you know you deserve, God reaches down and loves you in ways you never dream; restoring you to a better position than you ever had before (vs. 60-63).
Once an atonement is received (unlawful/a shame to ever speak of again), you'll never forget the awesome love of God, throughout all eternity. "He loves me! He really, really loves ME!"
A love like that, we never ever want to betray, again. It breaks our heart to break His. We finally begin serving God for who He is and we learn to love like He does, letting Him live through us.
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Without God, spiritually, we're like orphans left on a doorstep.
With Him, we're royalty from the inside out.
The devil lies. There is nothing between.
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© by Joyce C. Lock
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.
About the Author
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.