If the heart of the Christian life is a relationship with Jesus, the measure of that relationship is our loyalty to him.
But they put God to the test and rebelled against the Most High … they were disloyal and faithless, as unreliable as a faulty bow. Psalm 78:56-57
Many have become Christians in a contractual sense, asking Jesus into their lives to assure themselves of heaven. Yet Jesus is looking for loyalty from those who invite him into their lives.
They … aroused his jealousy with their idols. Psalm 78:58
We make idols of our interests and passions arousing Jesus’ jealousy as a spouse is aroused to jealousy over a wayward partner.
God … rejected Israel completely. He abandoned the tabernacle … He sent the ark of his might into captivity, his splendour into the hands of the enemy. Psalm 78:59-61
When relationships are violated trust is broken. It is appropriate for the betrayed party to separate themselves emotionally. They continue to love, but at a distance.
He gave his people over to the sword … Fire consumed their young men, and their young women had no wedding songs, their priests were put to the sword. Psalm 78:62-64
There are consequences. Apart the Lord, we succumb to the perils of our age; the passions, lifestyles and arguments of our culture.
Then the Lord awoke as from sleep … He beat back his enemies. Psalm 78:65-66
We have come to the end of our abilities. We need God to win back his people.
See also Sliding Values and God’s persistent training