Wed.’s Devo - Oholah and Oholibah -

 Read: Ezekiel 23:1-49; Hebrews 10:18-39; Psalm 109:1-31; Proverbs 27:13

God gave Ezekiel a proverb about two very promiscuous women named Oholah and Oholibah. Oholah represented Israel and Oholibah represented Jerusalem. They both played the harlot with Egypt, then Babylon. They lusted after their armies and their pagan worship. They copied them in sacrificing their children to their gods on the Day of Atonement which was the day when they were supposed to be repenting and praying for God’s blessing on the next year. They used the holy things God had given them to worship pagan gods who couldn’t do one thing for them. They gave up God’s blessing for a curse.

So now, God would give them over to the people they lusted after. Their enemies would stand in judgement against them and their adultery. They would not treat them kindly, but take all their wealth for themselves and make them a mockery and a derision.

God had judged Israel first. Jerusalem saw this and didn’t repent. They continued in their idolatry and even did worse than Israel. Jerusalem had the priests and the Temple which they defiled with pagan worship. They would now bear the penalty for their sins and come to realize that God is the Lord.

Hebrews tells us that since Christ died for our sins, we no longer have a need for offerings to atone for our sins. We can boldly enter into the holy place because of the blood of Christ. He opened the veil for us when Christ died and we can draw near to God because of our faith. We know that Christ’s blood sprinkled our hearts and made us pure and righteous. We can now love and do good works that are acceptable to God. In our fellowships we are to stir others to do these good works and walk in God’s love. 

But, if anyone continues to sin deliberately after coming to the truth, there is no other sacrifice for their sins. They only have judgement and God’s fury to look forward to. In Moses’ day, those who didn’t follow the law were punished on the evidence of two or more witnesses. How much worse will it be for those who reject and dishonor Christ. They will receive God’s vengeance. 

We are reminded of those who endured great persecution to follow Christ. They lived for eternity and not the present suffering. We, too will be rewarded for our faith in God’s promises. We are to walk boldly and confidently until Christ returns. We are not to be of those who shrink back with fear. 

Lord, may we walk in boldness because of what you have done for us. Thank you that you are God and you want us to have an audience with you. You are love and mercy. May we bring all our praise and worship to you. Thank you for being our Father, our God and our Redeemer.