Here’s a reality check I need from time to time. It comes in the form of a question: When was the last time someone else’s words about me toppled my self-perception? I may have happened to overhear them, or a brave person may have had the courage to speak them to my face.
In Ezekiel 15 and 16, the Lord God confronts severely flawed self-perceptions. First, He asks a series of questions that unravel self-deception.
The Lord—speaking through Ezekiel—lays a brilliant trap with His questions. First: “How is the wood of the vine better than . . .?” The “better than” invites a recital of all the positive qualities that come to mind. Imagine you are in an interview for a plum position and you said, “How am I best qualified for that role? Well, let me tell you!” The question is an indicator that I am preparing to explain why I am the no-brainer candidate.
Each subsequent question presumed the worst about Judah and peeled off additional layers of their faulty self-perception. With chagrin, they would realize that they’d been had. It’s as if the interviewer had asked, “How have you failed in your professional life up to this point? Explain yourself!” Was Israel of any use at all? Good grief, the wood of this vine isn’t even fit for burning (Ezekiel 15:4)! What a blow to self-esteem!
One word—“unfaithful”—connects to the next chapter, the length and content of which are devastating. I have trouble wrapping my mind around the X-rated life described there; Ezekiel does not mince words—sumptuous living, extreme indulgence, exploitation of sex and sexuality.
And then I remember with deep pain that I am surrounded by and in some cases immersed in the same horrors. Arrogance and wealthy unconcern numb my own heart. It’s all there and here. This unfaithful, promiscuous wife of the Lord was skilled in each of these—and so is our desperately sad culture.
But the devastation of God’s judgment is not the end of the story. This Lenten season reminds us that gleaming through the darkest of our valleys are the truths of God’s everlasting covenant and atonement through Jesus. Instead of being burned, charred, and useless, pruned branches will abide in the true Vine and bear fruit (John 15:1–5). Taking the place of the shameless and promiscuous wife will be the lovely bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2).
Thanks be to God!
It’s hard to know what to think after reading something like this. In my arrogance, I feel that my sins aren’t as dire as Israel’s sins. I feel God whisper to me that all sin is a form of wondering away from God. Everyday we have to choose to follow after Jesus in the decisions we make. It is not just a one time decision to follow after God.
Wow! This study was pretty deep for me today! Reading Ezekiel today reminded me of how American culture tells people to abandoned their relationship with God in order to “live life”. So many people today throw away their relationship with God in order to live “their own lives”, and sometimes don’t accept God back into their lives until they are on their deathbed.
I always found that kind of a life to be really sad. Life with God is beautiful, fulling, and amazing. It’s never boring. I couldn’t imagine living a whole life without Him.
My faith means everything to me. I would never just give it up because American culture is telling me to. Not for anyone. That’s why I fight so desperately to live For God and grow out of a culture that, at times, keeps denying God. I want to have a life with God in it.
But on the other hand, John reminds me of how God can fix anyone. There is no one to damaged that He can’t fix and bring back home. That means alot to me too
The image of the abandoned infant (Israel) really touched me, especially the helpless state of a newborn tossed out onto the open field, with uncut umbilical cord, unwanted, how vivid the image was. The Lord’s heart must have broken seeing this, He took her in, calling her his. No longer an orphan, safe and sound under his care. The Lord was there, providing extravagant things, royal status, being a faithful husband, yet he was repeatedly cheated on, being king and cheated on. Shockingly He still decided to return to this wife, He is faithful to her, because His love for her endures forever. Isn’t this just the most beautiful and heartbreaking love story between God and His bride (us)? This story breaks my heart. Big reflection to do. It hurts so much reading this truth. Praying for our sisters (Taylor, Heidi’s niece, Rhonda’s trip and other requests). Have a great weekend dear sisters. So thankful for all of you on this wonderful journey together.
That was a lot to absorb!!! I’m still not sure I’ve understood it all. I think I’m going to have to have to go to one of the sites suggested to totally understand all that is going on so far in Ezekiel. I’ve tried reading different versions.
Finley and family are doing well. She is keeping her feedings down so far —- yeah!!! Now we have to worry about keeping her flat on her back for 48 — 72 hours. Finley doesn’t like to stay in one place — even when she sleeps — for very long. Prayers are definitely needed now for Monica and Chad for patience and endurance as well as for Finley.
Sisters, be blessed and go and spread Christ’s love.
Amen Tina what a great story! There is Hope! That reminds me of a song I think it’s called “Hope has a name”, the chorus goes “Hope has a name, His name is Jesus”. This selection also reminds me of Hosea, and also of the warning in Deuteronomy where God explicitly tells the Israelites not to forget Him after He has rescued them and they have prospered. Guess they did forget. I pray I will continue to remember. Thank you GramsieSue , Traci Gendron and all who have been praying over the past 10 months. I am so blessed to have this community praying on my behalf. Shaena, praying for your son. Heidi praying for your niece and family. Adrienne, praying for little Tucker.
God found me, has spent years raising me to become a mature (ish) Christian. I have finally become old enough to love. He has lavished his gifts upon me, and I repay him by becoming arrogant, overfed and unconcerned. God doesn’t look to my past, separate from the vine of Jesus, but looks at me now as part of that vine. In what ways am I whoring?
Thank you for these questions Heidi!
WHERE am I pouring out my gifts and abilities God gave me to honor anyone but Him?
WHAT good things am I holding onto because of fear of scarcity or greed?
WHAT things or people am I turning into idols in order to find the satisfaction and life that only my God can provide me?
WHAT amazing opportunities for HIS kingdom am I missing out on because of my earthly perspective on my life?
What a reminder to remain meek. To not put ourselves above anything. To stop sacrificing to idols. To give the glory to God.
It hurts to be laid bare by God in front of others. To be shamed for ungodly pursuits. Idols that you put so much of your time and energy into instead of that time and energy going to God. What a warning to turn from those idols, to humble ourselves, to give gifts in God’s name, because we are only giving what he gave us.
But what a sweet balm of salvation His love and commitment are to us!
Heidi, I will pray for your niece who is detoxing and trying to find a reason to keep going. I have been there. Sometimes finding a reason is like trying to find clothes that fit. You just have to keep trying them on until you find the right one. And that can take time.
Thank you, Tina! This is just what my heart needed to hear today.
I loved your magnolia story Tina. Not only was it a great analogy for today it perked my ears because my husband and I planted 2 Magnolia trees last autumn and I so want them to flourish.