Tues., 9/13/16 Devotion (Ezek. 16:63b)

Today's encouragement comes from Ezekiel 16:63b, where we read these amazing words:

" ' . . . when I provide you an atonement for all you have done,' says the Lord GOD."

These words mark the end of the otherwise-quite-lurid ch. 16 of Ezekiel. Just when all seemed lost and hopeless, and even after God had detailed His con-demnation of Judah's idolatry and iniquity—here comes the good news of atonement.

Why would the Lord provide His people of old, or His church of today atone-ment, (and resulting remission of sins)? Is it not because of His love for His elect, secured from all eternity, in His gracious decrees—that culminate in Jesus’ cross and resurrection? The redeemed of the Lord *deserve* judg-ment, hell, and wrath; but, in Christ, we *get* forgiveness, adoption, and sanctification. Let the faithful church love this great God today; and may we live for Him with sincerity and zeal.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Providence has ordered that condition for you which is really best for your eternal good.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]