God’s People Accused of Bloodshed, Adultery, and Prostitution
In today’s Bible reading* God tells His people that they are guilty of bloodshed and wholesale adultery and prostitution against Him. In fact, He goes into great detail about their prostitution, as we saw when we read the book of Hosea.
You are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled from the idols you have made. You have brought your judgment days near and have come to your years of punishment. Therefore, I have made you a disgrace to the nations and a mockery to all the lands.
Ezekiel 22:4 (CSB)
Application
God is serious about fidelity in His people’s relationship with Him. As I pointed out earlier, the entire book of Hosea is a picture of the infidelity of God’s people and His relentless pursuit to deliver His people from that behavior and desires. God’s focus isn’t just about behavior. His main focus is on relationship.
Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: “Because you have forgotten me and cast me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and promiscuity.”
Ezekiel 23:35 (CSB)
Throughout the Prophetic Books, He doesn’t just tell His people to stop behaving like prostitutes. he invites them to return to Him in a covenant relationship.
Look at your behavior. How is your faithfulness toward Him?
Perhaps you need to spend some time today, seeking His Face to reestablish your relationship with Him. Perhaps you need to spend some time in prayer and in His Word, growing closer to Him.
* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
Ezekiel 21
Ezekiel 22
Ezekiel 23
Ezekiel 24