Truth or Consequences

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 23

Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have forgotten me and cast me behind your back, you yourself must bear the consequences. (Ezekiel 23.35)

Devotional Thought: Truth or Consequences.  Sounds ominous, doesn't it?

Some of us, though, remember the TV game show by that name, hosted by Bob Barker.  Contestants were chosen from the audience and could either tell the truth (answer a question) or pay the consequences (perform a stunt).  It was light-hearted fun, always good for a laugh as the contestants embarrassed themselves in front of a national audience.  Often it was good for a tear, too, as contestants were surprised by an unexpected appearance of a loved one returning from the military.

Ezekiel presented a version of Truth or Consequences, however, that was much more serious than Bob Barker's version:

·       The Israelites had forgotten God.  Forgetting something implies carelessness.  We may not mean to forget, but we get our eyes and minds on something else and don't think about God.  We go through life as though he didn't exist.  We don't have animosity toward him; we just are apathetic.  We are saying, in effect, "I don't need you."

·       The Israelites had cast God aside.  While we may plead ignorance or innocence about forgetting God, casting him aside is done with full awareness.  God has gotten in our way, and his requirements have become too burdensome for us.  Unwilling to pay the price of having God in our lives, we push him away, saying, in effect, "I don't want you."

We may be tempted to compare forgetfulness and rejection, that the former is not as bad as the latter.  But both bring consequences.   The good news is that none of us must bear the eternal consequences for our sins.  Jesus Christ has already borne them on the cross!

Prayer: Lord, I think about the words of that old gospel song: "When he was on the cross, I was on his mind."  Thank you that you didn't forget me, that you didn't cast me behind your back.  Rather, when I was still a sinner, Christ died for me!  Hallelujah and amen!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 34.1-7

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.