Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 23 & 24

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God often uses word pictures to teach.  Here He used the picture of two sisters, representing Samaria and Jerusalem.  The prophet described them as unfaithful to God as they committed spiritual adultery.  They are described as prostitutes because they made alliances with ungodly nations rather than trusting in God alone as their source of strength and protection.  One of the reasons why God didn’t want them to do this was that He knew that eventually they would imitate the heathen and conform to the ungodly lifestyles as well as worship idols.  And, unfortunately, they did.  This is an important lesson for God’s people today, never compromise or get close to sin.  It is very powerful and people are too easily drawn in.
In the word picture, we see that one sister went into extreme evil, and her sister followed right in her footsteps. And, the second sister was even more depraved, abandoning herself to her lust.  She gave herself to many evil men.  This brought God’s disgust and rejection as He allowed them to be swallowed up by their sin.  This brought on even greater sin.  God brought judgement from all directions.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
There is a thought-provoking and scary concept here.  God reached a point where they were hopeless, their corruption couldn’t be cleaned out. So He said to throw it into the fire.  Their impurity, lewdness and corruption of idolatry brought them to a dangerous state.  They refused God’s cleansing.  As a result, they remained in their filth until God’s fury against them was satisfied.  Their spiritual adultery brought them to this place, as seen in Ezekiel 23:35 (NLT) “And because you have forgotten me and turned your back on me, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: You must bear the consequences of all your lewdness and prostitution.”
Note to self: never allow yourself to get even close to this point. Always strive to get close to Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
Quit listening to the lies that say the only place where you will find fun and fulfillment is in a sinful lifestyle.  That only brings problems.  Turn to God’s ways.  You will have eternity to be thankful that you did.