A Mission-driven Adventist Family
Jézi Kwi ka witounen touswit.
Reconciliation After a Poisoned Godliness
by Alicia Valasse-Polius
Originally published under the name “Alicia Valasse” by the Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
© General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists
Josh. 1:9; Jer. 5:26–31; 20:1–14; 23:14; Hosea 3; Rom. 5:3
The time spent in the polytheistic atmosphere of Egypt stained Israel’s godliness. For years, God’s people were openly exposed to Egypt’s warring ways and ardent religious falsehoods. Moses would come, but Egypt’s poison had settled amongst the people. Free as they were in the desert, Israel set out on a path of spiritual adultery—openly defying God and seeking to replace Him with golden effigies. God performed miracle after miracle, but many of His people had been marked by long exposure to polytheism. However, He would not abandon His seed even after their “brazen” prostitution (Ezek. 16:30, NKJV). He reached out to His people through His prophets—many of whom openly lamented Israel’s spiritual predicament. Such an important call was sometimes met with uncertainty, self-doubt, and external resistance. Open proclamation of wrongs is sometimes met with resistance even from leaders—spiritual and otherwise (Jer. 20:1, 2). In the face of such adversity, we are reminded that the Lord, who is light and salvation, will shield us (Ps. 27:1–3). Such assurance can surely pave the way for reconciliation after spiritual infidelity has occurred.
No Place for Spiritual Infidelity (Jer. 5:26–31; Ezek. 16:32; Hosea 3)
Our God is deserving of sincere praise and worship. In light of this, every effort should be made to eradicate religious fads and deviant doctrines that scorn God’s laws. The prophetic book of Jeremiah speaks of such practices among His people: “wicked men” who set traps; prophets who “prophesy falsely”; priests who “bear rule by their means”; and “houses full of deceit” (Jer. 5:26–31). Such behavior demonstrates spiritual infidelity and likens God’s people to harlots and adulterous wives (Ezek. 16:31, 32). God, however, loves His people with an everlasting love. Like Hosea in response to the unfaithful Gomer, He is always available to forgive and to welcome His repentant people home (Hosea 3). God does not seek to abandon His people in the midst of their sin. Instead, He seeks us out in our daily deliberations with other Christians, in our worship, and through prophetic messages in His Word. These messages are proclaimed by the major and minor prophets. In every instance, the message contains a concerted effort to highlight the sin in an effort to trigger repentance. The book of Jeremiah tells of the injury to the “marital” bond between God and Israel and calls for reconciliation of Creator and created.
Thrown in “the Stocks” of Life (Jer. 20:3)
While the prophetic call for reconciliation is deemed necessary for the salvation of souls, it is sometimes met with opposition. Like Jeremiah, we too may be “thrown in the stocks” for delivering truths about doctrinal malpractice. Our stocks may be the “self-indulgent” approach of some spiritual leaders, the lack of support from fellow church members, or persecution from both believers and unbelievers. Whatever “the stocks” may be, God is prepared to free us from our shackles, just as He did for Jeremiah (Jer. 20:3). With the freeing of our shackles, we are called to give of ourselves in service to Him (Matt. 28:19). Our confidence may dwindle when He calls us. We may be quick to turn to our lack of experience, to run away from our religious obligation to ministry like Jonah did. But Jeremiah presents a wonderful example of the use of youthfulness to proclaim the word. Let us not say we are but children unable to speak or that we are handicapped by fear (Jer. 1:7, 8). It is the Lord who speaks through us (verse 9). He enables our understanding, and He helps us in our contributions to the glory of His kingdom. As young adults, we are called to write, speak, tell, and sing of His glory and wonderful blessings to us—underserving though we are.
Spiritual Fire in the Bones and Heart (Jer. 20:7–14)
As we continue on our Christian journey with renewed enthusiasm, we must, like Jeremiah, develop a spiritual “fire in the bones” and, by extension, in the heart. In spite of the challenges we face, we should not surrender our desire for salvation. Trials and tribulations may surface, but Joshua urges us to be “strong and courageous” (Josh. 1:9, NIV), and Paul desires us to “glory in tribulations” (Rom. 5:3), for they help us to be patient, tolerant, and steadfast. The “fire in the bones” and heart will undoubtedly assist in our steadfastness during trials. Here are some ways in which we can solidify the presence of spiritual “fire of the bones” and heart: Study God’s Word daily. Daily engaging with the Bible is the greatest weapon against the snares of the devil. There is power in the Word. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Having the Holy Spirit with us guarantees that we will be transformed and equipped for work in God’s kingdom.