Languising. Prolonged. Affrighted. Tender. Dilemmas.
Ezekiel 16 ~ A metaphor entailing the thick trinkets of our own hearts. Wherever it is that we are recognized, living for ourselves, our honor. "Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty. Ezek 16:14.
"You trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and you poured out your harlotries." Ezek 16:15.
But, you were not satisfied, you played the harlot. No, you multiplied the harlot. And what's worse is that it is no small thing. You were worse than those before you. No small at all.
"How languishing" is my own heart, your heart, while you do all these things, the actions of a bold-faced harlot.
You took bribes; gave gifts; traded strangers for husbands, slaughtered kids in your quest. How are we the same? Have I ever wanted something else more than God? Idolatry. Harlotry.
Neveretheless! I will remember My Covenant with you, says our God. Ezek 16:60. You will remember and be ashamed when I forgive you for everything you have done. Everything.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
O God, You promised in Psalm 41:3 that you will strengthen my languishing soul. Languishing. Affrighted. Strengthen us way down deep on the inside where it really counts that we may walk by faith not by the delicate dilemmas in which we live.
Pretty depressing verses until the very end today. Israel's sin and harlotry and idolatry left her in a mess. Our sin and harlotry and idolatry leave us in a mess.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, our sin and harlotry and idolatry don't throw God off His sure and promised faithfulness. He Himself will come and fix this, bringing down the high tree and exalting the low tree. And birds of every kind will nest and rest in this stately Cedar's Branches.Hang on Israel, the Messiah's coming!
All the trees of the field will know that I am the Lord; I bring down the high tree, exalt the low tree, dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will perform it.
ReplyDeleteIt does not matter what I look like to society or what I might have rationalized, The Lord knows if I am living humbly for Him or seeking trinkets/accolades from the world.
Lord, please reveal any sin I've hidden in my heart.