It is an epic tale of betrayal. A classic rags to riches story that ends in an utter denial of the one who had lifted her out of the mire and set her upon the throne. It is Ezekiel 16 . . . a fascinating summary of a faithless bride . . . a sobering reminder to remain faithful.

I notice the “I’s” of God . . . I passed by you and saw you (v.6) . . . I said to you in your blood, “Live!” (v.6) . . . I made you flourish (v.7) . . . I spread the corner of my garment over you (v.8) . . . I made my vow to you and entered into covenant with you (v.8) . . . I bathed you with water (v.9) . . . I clothed you (v.10) . . . I wrapped you in fine linen (v.10) . . . I adorned you with ornaments (v.11) . . . I put a ring in your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head (v.12).

And the “you” of these verses? . . . the recipient of God’s outpouring of love and favor? She is Jerusalem . . . the crown of Israel . . . the representation of the people of God. And she flourished under God’s providing care and love . . . “You grew exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. And your renown went forth among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through the splendor that I had bestowed on you, declares the Lord God” (v. 13b-14).

He had bestowed splendor upon her . . . and she had become beautiful. He had dressed her up . . . and she had become a “knock out” without compare to any other. He had raised her up . . . and she had advanced to the seat of royalty. He loved her . . . and she flourished under that love.

But then . . . crash and burn! “But you trusted in your beauty and played the whore (or, were unfaithful) because of your renown and lavished your whorings (or, unfaithfulness) on any passerby; your beauty became his” (v.15). And, as you read the rest of Ezekiel 16, it is unbelievable the downward spiral she finds herself taking . . . to unimaginable depths of depravity. And it all begins with her “trusting in her beauty.”

What a warning for me this morning . . . what a warning for all those who have flourished under the favor of God . . . who have been born again . . . who have been made new creations in Christ . . . who have been redeemed from the market place of sin and betrothed as the bride of Christ . . . who have been given pure garments of righteousness . . . who have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places . . . who have been promised an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

We are . . . I am . . . a “rags to riches” story of God’s making. Once dead in trespasses and sin, but now made alive together with Christ . . . once in darkness, but now brought into marvelous light . . . once an enemy of God, but now a child enjoying the full rights and privileges of adoption . . . once a stranger from the inner workings of the kingdom, but now made into a holy priesthood with access into the very Holy of Holies. Talk about “you’ve come a long way, baby!” But it isn’t me at all, is it? It’s not my beauty to be trusted in. It’s not my worthiness to exalt in. Oh the danger of forgetting that I am but a recipient of God’s amazing grace.

To remain faithful . . . that is the duty of those who benefit from God’s redeeming and transforming work. To not forget the Giver of every good gift they have received. To daily pledge allegiance to the Savior of their souls. To desire to use all that has been lavished on them for His purpose and for His glory.
To remain faithful . . . Therein lies the “happy ending” to our rags to riches story. Amen?