How can Ezekiel 23:35 guide us in maintaining a faithful relationship with God? Setting the Verse “Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and prostitution.’” (Ezekiel 23:35) Context and Meaning - Ezekiel is addressing the northern and southern kingdoms (Samaria and Jerusalem) personified as two unfaithful sisters. - Their “indecency and prostitution” refers to idolatry—running after foreign gods and alliances instead of trusting the LORD. - God’s charge is crystal-clear: forgetting Him and pushing Him “behind your back” invites inevitable judgment. - The verse stands as a timeless reminder that obedience and remembrance of God safeguard covenant relationship, while neglect invites consequences. Key Warnings and Truths - Forgetfulness of God is not merely passive; it is an intentional setting aside of His rightful place. - God holds His people accountable for spiritual adultery just as surely as He judged Israel and Judah. - Consequences are real, not symbolic; they flow from God’s righteous character and justice. - Faithfulness begins with an active memory—keeping God continually before our eyes and hearts (Psalm 16:8). Practical Steps to Maintain Faithfulness • Guard Your Mind – Daily Scripture intake (Joshua 1:8) keeps His words front-and-center. – Memorize key passages that reveal His character and commands. • Examine Your Affections – Identify modern “idols” (career, entertainment, relationships) that compete for first place. – Redirect love and loyalty to Christ, who alone satisfies (Colossians 3:1–4). • Cultivate Regular Remembrance – Incorporate thanksgiving into routines—meals, commuting, bedtime (1 Thessalonians 5:18). – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper with a heart that truly “remembers” Him (1 Corinthians 11:24–26). • Pursue Obedience, Not Just Emotion – Obedience proves love (John 14:15). – Confess and repent quickly when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Stay Accountable – Engage in authentic fellowship where others can exhort you (Hebrews 10:24–25). – Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions about your walk. Supporting Scriptures - Deuteronomy 8:11 — “Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God…” - Psalm 9:17 — “The wicked return to Sheol—all the nations who forget God.” - Jeremiah 2:32 — “Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.” - Revelation 2:4–5 — “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Takeaway Ezekiel 23:35 calls every believer to conscious, continual remembrance of the Lord. Forgetting Him is never neutral; it is the doorway to idolatry and discipline. By keeping His word before us, guarding our affections, and walking in obedient fellowship, we uphold a faithful relationship with the God who has never forgotten us. |
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