September 15 – "Be Careful What You Wish For"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 23:1-21 

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Today, we are reminded of the importance of remaining faithful to God and being wary of the allure of worldly pursuits. Ezekiel, chapter 23 paints a striking picture of spiritual betrayal through the metaphor of two sisters. God tells us a dramatic story about two sisters who break up with Him. It’s like a real-life soap opera, but with way higher stakes! These sisters aren’t just ordinary people; they represent entire nations who turned their backs on God.

Oholah is the wild child, representing the northern kingdom of Israel. She’s all about chasing thrills and new experiences, but she forgets about her true love, God.

Oholibah, the younger sister, is more like the good girl who secretly dreams of a wild life. She is supposed to learn from Oholah’s mistakes, but she ends up making even worse choices. She represents the southern kingdom, Judah.

God uses shockingly vivid language to describe their betrayal. It’s like He’s saying, “Look at what happens when you cheat on Me!” They trade God’s love for empty promises, and in the end, they lose everything. Their homes are destroyed, their families are taken away, and they become a laughingstock to the world.

It's like that wise old saying, "Be careful what you wish for – you just might get it!” When we chase after the allure of worldly things, we might get a temporary high, but the hangover is awful. God is offering us a love that’s deeper and more satisfying than anything this world can give.

The Apostle Paul picks up on this theme when he says in Galatians 6:7 & 8, " Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." It's like planting a seed. If you plant weeds, you'll get a garden full of weeds. But if you plant flowers, you'll have a beautiful garden.

The only thing the world has to offer is an empty wasteland. If we chase after the world, we too will end up empty and wasted. So, let's choose wisely. Today, may the steadfast love of God root you deeply, shielding you from the allure of worldly desires and guiding you towards a bountiful harvest of righteousness.