A Relationship Doomed to Fail

We may wonder at times why God sent such terrible plagues upon Jerusalem. Sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence were foretold by Ezekiel having received the Lord's word. However, the Lord does explain Himself, though He certainly does not owe us any such thing.

And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it,” says the Lord GOD. (Eze 14:23)

The Lord promises to the people of Israel a remnant of sons and daughters that will delight them by their ways and doings, and they will be comforted by this remnant. But in the midst of all that is the comforting knowledge that our God has done nothing without cause. What is the Lord's cause, we may well ask? To return His people to Him.

Imagine for a moment a person you love. Now, imagine also that this person will not face you, listen to you, or even acknowledge that you exist. We joke about it at times, but if we found that sort of person in reality, it would be a tough relationship, a relationship doomed to fail. Imagine just a bit further that, like God does, you know what is best for that person you love. Suppose that you sent him or her an e-mail, but no return message comes. You might try letters, notes, other people you know, even a banner flown behind an airplane to get your beloved's attention. Radio advertisements, television commercials, and billboards towed by fire engines all fail. Your relationship cannot continue without communication. Your love has no chance against the persistent unfaithfulness of your beloved. No matter what you have tried, the person refuses to turn and see that you are even there. Of course you would resort to something drastic!

And so we begin to understand why God in His perfect love could send famine, the sword, wild beasts, and even the dreaded pestilence to gain the attention of His beloved Jerusalem.

Thank you, Lord, for our loving relationship,

Bucky