The Lord Adopts

Ezekiel 16:1-8 – The Lord describes Jerusalem like a child who was abandoned at birth – unwanted and despised – left to die. He came along, saw her helplessness, had compassion for her, gave her life, helped her thrive, made an everlasting covenant with her, and made her His forever!


Reflection – I cannot help but think of Mei as I read through this. Even v. 7 says, “You grew up and became a beautiful jewel” (NLT). Mei means beautiful!!! Even though his parents took one look at him when he was born and despised him the Lord looked at him and gave him the name Beautiful! Even though his family forsook him the Lord has been with him all along and will never leave or abandon him!

In the same way the Lord has adopted me and made me His. He adopted me – not because I was pretty or because He saw some great potential in me. He adopted me simply because He loves me so deeply and He gave everything to bring me home.

Before I read this morning I prayed and thanked my Lord for choosing me by His great grace and mercy. I also prayed about Mei. I prayed, “Lord, as much as it would break my heart not to be able to bring Mei home, not my will buy yours be done. I submit to your will.” Not that I am losing hope or anything by praying this. I just don’t want to do anything – not even something so right – out of selfishness or out of His will. Then I read this section of scripture from the One Year Bible reading plan and I feel my Father saying, “You will bring Mei home! I have already accomplished it!”

Prayer – Lord, thank you for not only finding me in my helplessness, but for saving me and then making me yours! You amaze me! I praise you! Thank you for giving me hope that you are going to bring Mei home. Thank you for letting us be a part of his story. You are going to touch many lives through his life. Thank you for all our children – the blessings we have been given to be a part of the stories you are writing through all their lives. They are all beautiful! Thank you! I praise you! Amen.