Few things are more devastating than marital unfaithfulness. Thankfully, my knowledge of this fact is secondhand, but conversations with those directly affected provides sufficient validation of the unspeakable pain.
When we realize that our Creator has entered into a covenant relationship with His people that is comparable to marriage, we more clearly see the effects of infidelity. Unfaithfulness is devastating adultery.
A poignant example was acted out through the marital relationship of an ancient prophet named Hosea, and his prostitute wife.
"The word of Yahweh which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, 'Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the LORD.' " (Hosea 1:1-2)
God's people chose intimacy with false gods as a substitute for the covenant relationship they willingly entered into with Him. In a drastic step to convey the pain of their betrayal, God used Hosea's marriage relationship as an object lesson. Sadly, the point was lost on the majority whose hearts were callously indifferent.
Before we point an accusing finger at these ancient infidels, we do well to consider our faithfulness to our covenant with our Creator. Perhaps our licentious vice isn't in the form of wood, metal, or stone idolatry. We're a bit too sophisticated for that. Ours more easily comes in technological form. The lure of the electronic entices in ways that ancient idols never could.
The thing about marital unfaithfulness is that it rarely is an isolated episode. Long-term neglect of the marital relationship paves the way for an illicit "affair". And, such as it is with spiritual unfaithfulness: it's the result of extended neglect. Gradual erosion in areas of prayer, Bible study, and authentic connection with the people of God pave the way.
I'm reminded of the lyrics of a song that plead, "Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear." Sometimes the fire within dims and needs to be rekindled. Joy is sometimes absent from the disciplines that once brought joy and life to us spiritually. We cry out, as King David did, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:12).
Regardless of where you are spiritually, today is a great day to rekindle the fire. Be assured that your Lover wants you near, and is actively reaching out to you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
When we realize that our Creator has entered into a covenant relationship with His people that is comparable to marriage, we more clearly see the effects of infidelity. Unfaithfulness is devastating adultery.
A poignant example was acted out through the marital relationship of an ancient prophet named Hosea, and his prostitute wife.
"The word of Yahweh which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, 'Go, take to yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry; for the land commits flagrant harlotry, forsaking the LORD.' " (Hosea 1:1-2)
God's people chose intimacy with false gods as a substitute for the covenant relationship they willingly entered into with Him. In a drastic step to convey the pain of their betrayal, God used Hosea's marriage relationship as an object lesson. Sadly, the point was lost on the majority whose hearts were callously indifferent.
Before we point an accusing finger at these ancient infidels, we do well to consider our faithfulness to our covenant with our Creator. Perhaps our licentious vice isn't in the form of wood, metal, or stone idolatry. We're a bit too sophisticated for that. Ours more easily comes in technological form. The lure of the electronic entices in ways that ancient idols never could.
The thing about marital unfaithfulness is that it rarely is an isolated episode. Long-term neglect of the marital relationship paves the way for an illicit "affair". And, such as it is with spiritual unfaithfulness: it's the result of extended neglect. Gradual erosion in areas of prayer, Bible study, and authentic connection with the people of God pave the way.
I'm reminded of the lyrics of a song that plead, "Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear." Sometimes the fire within dims and needs to be rekindled. Joy is sometimes absent from the disciplines that once brought joy and life to us spiritually. We cry out, as King David did, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation" (Psalm 51:12).
Regardless of where you are spiritually, today is a great day to rekindle the fire. Be assured that your Lover wants you near, and is actively reaching out to you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:28 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home