Unmerited

"I made you flourish like a plant of the field," Ezekiel 16:7.

(The following is rated PG.)

God did that. He had found a newborn baby girl naked, unwashed, bloodied, umbilical cord and placenta still attached, discarded unpitied in an open field. The Lord stopped by and secured all the care, nature, and nurture she needed to flourish, to grow strong, tall, smart, and beautiful. Then she matured to the age of love. He dressed her royally. He married her! He cleansed her with water. He anointed her with oils. He gave her clothing and jewelry and food fit for the queen she became. The fame of the glory he afforded her went out to the nations. And, that, says the Bible, is what Jesus' death endowed in his vows to her.

We see a brother or sister today and remind each other of our Lord's deep love covenant with us. And, together, we speak thanks beyond measure for his overwhelmingly unmerited generosity toward us.