Passage Read: Ezekiel 16-19
Meditation Verse: 16:63
Thought
God exalted and honored Israel and Judah, not because of their greatness, but because He had pity on them. When they were first born, no one cared about them; they were left to die. But the Lord had compassion on them and provided for them and blessed them beyond anything they deserved. But then they came to think they were so great and they forgot their youth, that they were completely despised by all the nations, and that it was God who exalted them. So they went astray, and God brought destruction on them. Yet He will atone for their sin and restore them. At that time they will understand that it is because of His love, not any greatness that they intrinsically possess, and they will remain humble.
Application
As a believer, I am made righteous and holy, I am shown mercy and grace and promised exaltation, but I must remember that it is not me who is so great, but it is because of the kindness of the Lord. I need to remember my former, despised state so as to remain humble and teachable, to keep me from getting a fat head because of the greatness of the gifts I have been given. I don't remember my former state to keep me in bondage to my old corruption or excuse continued living in corruption. I need to remember it so as to marvel at what God has done for me, so I grow more loyal to Him and more eager to be the Bride He wants me to be, as of I could somehow deserve or earn the favor He has lavished on me. I need to remember my former state so as to respond correctly, in humble obedience and honor of God, for the great kindness He had bestowed on me.