How are we like the Israelites?
It's easy to read this text and point a finger. The Israelites were SO prone to wander. All through the old testament they are in community with God and then they sever their relationship with him by reverting to idolatry, prostitution, adultery, prayerlessness, and more. Don't they get it? Wouldn't it just be easier to stay in God's will and in his presence? Oh how we are like the Israelites. How many men today struggle with lust and pornography (the secret adultery). How many days do we go without being in the Word, or praying or seeking the Lord on a decision we must make. Do you feel distant from God? I tell you, we are no different, and no better than the Israelites! These verses serve as a reminder to me that I NEED God's forgiveness. He offers it to us through his Son if we'll just accept it. Just like he continually offered forgiveness and reconciliation to the Israelites. Like he offered forgiveness and reconciliation to David after he sinned with Bathsheba. Like he showed favor to sinful Kings who finally acknowledged that he was the one true God. Like the story of Hosea and Gomer... Gomer after wandering back to prostitution is purchased back by her husband and forgiven. Like the Prodigal Son Story.... and like Christ... He had purchased us with his own blood. Shouldn't we FIGHT for purity because of what he's done? Shouldn't we desire to KNOW him more, to be in his word and to pursue him? The word is pretty clear... our reward will be great, if not on this earth, for all of eternity! He is worth it!
