The Lord’s Love for a Wayward Bride | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for March 27

“For thus says the Lord God: I will deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant, yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant. – Ezekiel 16:59-60 ESV

In today’s text, we hear an astounding parable that describes the Lord as a faithful husband to Israel, His wayward bride. It paints a picture of young, lonesome Israel, unadmired and undesired by the world. She had no wealth to her name nor any hope of gaining status, so she was thrown out of her proverbial home to fend for herself. The Lord comes across her path, cleans her wounds, and feeds her. He makes a covenant with her through marriage, vowing to love her for all her days. He adorns her in precious jewels and elegant clothing, making her a beauty for all to see. 

But then the analogy turns to ruin. Israel wasn’t content with the adornment from the Lord, her husband. The explicit imagery describes Israel as a wife who pursues promiscuity unashamedly. She is far worse than her sisters, the neighboring nations, and she is proud of it. In response to her actions, the Lord allows Israel to run away, pursuing her desires, awaiting her repentance, hoping she returns home swiftly and safely. At the end of the parable comes today’s passage, where the Lord says He will remember His covenant with His wayward bride, Israel. 

May I remind you today, as you prepare to worship, despite our faithlessness, Jesus readily accepts our repentance and adorns us with eternal life. Today, praise the Lord for His faithful love shown through Jesus Christ. And pray for the wayward in your life, that they may find the mercy of Jesus.