Don't Drop the Ball

“I am broken with their whorish heart, which hath departed from me.” – Ezekiel 6:9

“Standing on the promises of Christ my Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love's strong cord . . .” As t he words of this old hymn played through my mind, I pictured my soul wrapped securely with the strong cord of God's love. Then a new picture formed in my mind: two friends are standing closely, wrapping themselves together with a ball of twine. As they pass the ball back and forth, a secure bond forms between them. Suddenly, one of them drops the ball of twine and stiffens in such a way that the carefully formed bond falls loosely at their feet. The now-uninterested “friend” steps off the scene, disregarding the mess that is left behind.

This image reminds me that “cords of love” are not easily broken, but when someone does choose to end a relationship, it is a painful process. God spoke the words of today's focus verse to the Prophet Ezekiel at a time when God's chosen people had “dropped the ball” of commitment to Him. They had turned their backs on His loving compassion, and instead sought the favor of a people who would eventually cause Israel 's downfall. Their actions genuinely grieved the One who had the greatest love for them, and as a result, God said He was “broken.”

God loves His children so much that His heart breaks when one chooses to turn away from Him. How wonderful it is to know that He cares for us so much! His grief for the lost also reminds us that our relationship with God is a two-way street—it involves not only accepting His perfect love, but also giving Him our love. We must not neglect to show Him the love He deserves.

We never have to fear that God will “drop the ball” and leave us behind. On the contrary, when we want to draw closer to Him, He is pleased and always ready to grant that desire. Then, our dedication and commitment to God grows only deeper, and the cords of love that bind us together are strengthened.

It is our choice—the ball is in our hands.

Lord, help me always to be true.
I long, my Lord, Thy will to do.
Thy bonds of love have claimed my heart;
Help me, O Lord, to do my part.