Hello Again! It’s been awhile…but don’t worry, I’m back:) James and I have been were up in Michigan visiting my family over the long weekend, and saying a final goodbye to the lake cottage for the summer…definitely bittersweet. Lake Michigan is my favorite place in the world—literally—and I always miss spending time there when the weather turns colder. That being said, I also love the fall, and am excited for some cooler weather. Anyways, as far as my daily Bible reading goes I’m still in Ezekiel. Definitely an interesting read. I know last post I talked about Ezekiel’s obedience, and that definitely has been a common theme throughout the book. He is always faithful to whatever God calls him to do or say—even when it isn’t popular with the people.
A large portion of the middle section of Ezekiel talks about Ezekiel prophesying to the people of Israel concerning their disobedience from God, and their coming destruction. Sounds like a lot of doom and gloom, but as I was reading today I couldn’t help but make a comparison to today. Ezekiel chapter 23 goes about comparing Samaria and Jerusalem to two adulterous sisters. The text goes into detail about how these two “sisters” took up many lovers and prostituted themselves with the men from many surrounding nations. They pursued these nations instead of God (who was their first love) and ended up being humiliated and disgraced because of their actions.
It seemed to me an odd comparison, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. I mean that seems a little far-fetched right? But, I started thinking about how this situation could apply to us today. At first I thought there was no parallel. How could we be in a situation such as Jerusalem and Samaria were when Ezekiel compared them to prostitutes? But you know what? We are just like those people—just in a slightly different context. We don’t have other nations that we run to, and mold out behaviors and actions towards, but we do have worldly comparisons that we set for ourselves.
Just as those sisters were sexual promiscuous, we too are often spiritually promiscuous.
Say what? Let me explain by using an example. Say you have some questions about a relationship you are currently in, and you just need some advice regarding the certain situation. How often do you look to a magazine, television broadcast, book or non-Christian expert for that advice? Would you say you look to these types of sources more often than opening up your Bible, and seeing what God’s word has to say about the issue? In doing so, you are saying that you value the opinions and advice of others over what God has to say.
Now, I’m not saying that asking advice from others is a bad thing, nor do I pretend to be innocent of said example. Sometimes it helps to talk things over with an accountable Christian confidant. All I’m saying is that we should be mindful of who we seek advice from, and remember that God’s opinion and advice matters most of all—more than anything you could ever read in a magazine. Food for thought I guess.
Okay, well I hope you all are having a fabulous week so far! God Bless:)
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