As we read through Ezekiel 20:1-22:16, one of the most striking themes is the tension between God’s judgment and His mercy. The passage reveals a pattern of Israel’s repeated rebellion against God, contrasted with God’s persistent mercy. The phrase that stands out is, “You will know I am the Lord when I repay your wickedness with mercy.”

In today’s world, mercy can seem almost extinct—especially in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the internet. Judgment is quick, and compassion often seems in short supply. Yet, here we see a profound aspect of God’s character: His willingness to extend mercy even when judgment is warranted.

God’s mercy doesn’t erase the reality of our sin or the consequences that might follow. Instead, it highlights how undeserving we are of His compassion. It’s precisely because we recognize the depth of our wrongdoing and the just punishment that should follow that His mercy becomes even more astonishing.

Ezekiel shows us that God’s judgment and mercy are not opposing forces but are deeply interconnected. When we reach a point of “hating ourselves because of the evil we have done,” it’s in that moment of humility and repentance that God’s mercy shines brightest. We know the death that should await us, and in contrast, we see mercy as the undeserved, overwhelming grace of God.

The world often offers judgment without mercy, but God offers mercy even in the midst of judgment. This mercy doesn’t ignore sin; rather, it transforms us, leading us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and justice. As we reflect on this, let’s remember that true mercy is rare and precious—something that God offers freely, even when we least deserve it.