Ezekiel 20:7
7 And I said to them, ‘Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.’
God wanted to give the Israelites the greatest of all lands, a place with pleasure overflowing. But the people wanted to return to the idols of Egypt. If you remember, Egypt was the nation that had enslaved the Israelites. In a very real sense, the people of God wanted to leave God and go back to idols even if that meant slavery. How stupid is that?
I’m sure you see this reversal coming, but you are the exact same kind of stupid. When we reject God’s ways, we reject God’s rewards. When we return to sin, we return to slavery. Following God does mean pursuing purity, self-control, love sacrifices, service to others, and rampant giving. It can seem like a grueling walk, but remember two things: the reward and the alternative. Be free!
Prayer prompt: Lord, corral me back to Your ways and away from the slavery my heart sometimes desires.