How can Ezekiel 23:22 guide us in choosing our associations wisely? Setting the Scene: Israel’s Costly Relationships Ezekiel 23 describes Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah) as two sisters who entered alliances that lured them away from covenant faithfulness. God speaks in Ezekiel 23:22: “Therefore, O Oholibah, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will stir up your lovers against you, those you turned away from in disgust, and I will bring them against you from every side—’ ”. Timeless Principles for Today • Scripture’s warning is literal and authoritative: ungodly alliances eventually turn on those who form them. • The Lord Himself may allow—or even employ—those false allies to discipline His people. • Loyalty to God must surpass every other attachment; compromised associations invite judgment. What Makes an Association Unwise? • It pulls us toward disobedience or disbelief (James 4:4). • It blurs or muffles our witness (2 Corinthians 6:14). • It replaces trust in God with dependence on human strength (Isaiah 31:1). • It demands moral, spiritual, or doctrinal concessions (Galatians 1:6–9). Choosing Associations: Practical Steps 1. Examine motives – Ask whether the relationship seeks mutual holiness or merely personal gain (Proverbs 13:20). 2. Weigh the track record – Israel trusted nations already noted for idolatry; we should note patterns of compromise (Proverbs 22:24–25). 3. Consider future fruit – Bad company “corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Choose companions who spur love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). 4. Seek godly counsel – Wise advisors help spot danger we might overlook (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Stay tethered to Scripture – Regular intake of the Word guards against deceit (Psalm 119:105). Encouraging Reminders from Other Scriptures • Psalm 1:1–3—Blessing attends the one who refuses wicked counsel. • Proverbs 27:17—Healthy fellowship sharpens character. • 2 Timothy 2:22—Pursue righteousness “with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Closing Takeaways • God’s historical judgment of Jerusalem underscores that whom we align with matters deeply to Him. • Associations that undermine loyalty to Christ, however attractive at first, will eventually prove costly. • Intentional, Scripture-shaped relationships strengthen faith, protect testimony, and honor the Lord who speaks truthfully and literally in every verse—including Ezekiel 23:22. |
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