Ezekiel 19  This is a lament "for the princes of Israel."   Israel is likened to a lion cub, reared by its mother.. who became a powerful and ferocious lion.  But, he was captured and taken away to Egypt.
The lioness then brought up another lion.  This one was even greater, more powerful and more ferocious .  But, it also was captured and taken away to Babylon.  Israel is then compared to a vine.. a fruitful, powerful, exalted vine.  It had strong branches and greatness beyond compare.  But, it was plucked up, it withered and died.  It was thrown into the fire.  Israel had great potential for glory and greatness.  But, the leaders failed.  The people failed. And the nation fell.

Ezekiel 20 repeats the story of Israel's history.  The elders came to Ezekiel to "inquire of God".  But, the Lord declared, " I will not be inquired of by you."

He reminds them of the deliverance from Egypt.  How He gave them His "statutes and informed them of My ordinances, by which if a man observes them, he will live.  And also I gave them My sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them." 
Time after time, Israel rejected God's Word.
Time after time, He was ready to destroy them, but did not for the sake of His own Name.
Generation after generation had the opportunity to turn back to the Lord and receive all of His promises.  But, generation after generation failed.. idolatry held a grip on them.

Yet, even with this.. the Lord will not fail His people.  " I shall be king over you."  He promises.  " .. with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out... " the Lord will bring His people to His Holy Mountain where they will serve Him.  " And there you will remember your ways and all your deeds, with which you have defiled yourselves; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for all the evil things that you have done. Then you will know that I am the Lord when I have dealt with you for My name's sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel, declares the Lord God. " ( v. 33, 40, 43, 44)

The Lord appeals to every generation, to come to Him, to be reconciled, to repent and turn back to His Word and His ways.  It is only when we come face to face with Him, when we acknowledge the truth of our conduct and deeds.. when we realize the extent to which we have defiled ourselves and we "loathe" ourselves for it.. that we truly recognize Who He Is and the greatness of His grace towards us in Christ Jesus.  " He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21) He does not deal with us according to our sins.. but laid it all on our Savior.. Amazing grace.

Father in heaven,  all praise and glory and honor to Your Holy Name.  How faithful and gracious You are to us. This generation is in desperate need of Your Word.. of Truth.. so that they might live.  Be King over us.  Move Your mighty Hand once again to bring Your people and all the nations, to Yourself .  May we KNOW that You are the Lord and serve You forever.  Help us to boldly preach the message of reconciliation to those we encounter today.  For the sake of Your name we pray this.. amen.