The most common metaphor used in the Bible to describe the relationship of Yahweh to his people is that of marriage. Accordingly, the language of adultery is used to describe the rebellion of God’s people. This metaphor also captures the nature of God’s grief. It is the grief of a broken relationship. But it is also a grief for how rebellion degrades us. When we break away from God it not only dishonours God, but also dishonours our own high dignity as God’s children and covenant partners. It grieves God when we take our lives out of his hands and allow ourselves to be ruled by other influences. To do this is to sabotage what is sacred to God. God wants us to remember who we are and to respect ourselves accordingly. How you see yourself will make all the difference to how you live your life. If you lack self-respect, your self-expectations will be very low. And you cannot live a life that is higher than your own self-expectations. We come to recognise who we are when we come to acknowledge who God is. It is in the light of God’s majesty and glory that we see the glory in ourselves. You were created to be a glorious creature, high above the rest of creation, carrying a responsibility fit for the children of God. Your ability to see yourself in this light will be the key to you living the higher form of life that you were created for.
Spend some time reflecting on how you see yourself and ask God to show you who you are.
Read Ezekiel 23
