Long Distance Relationship
If you’ve ever experienced a long distance relationship of any kind, you know that on their best days it’s difficult. With today’s technology like Facetime and Skype, it’s a bit easier. Nothing replaces being together face to face and being able to hold hands and embrace. My heart goes out to families who are separated by the miles. I know of military families where the husband is gone for months at a time – that has to be tough. I also know of a family where the husband is working half way around the world for 3 months and then returns home for 3 months. It is hard for me to imagine just how hard these long distance relationships are. They take extra commitment and care.
The people of Israel had experienced a long distance relationship while in exile. They were in exile being disciplined for their sinful behavior against the Lord. He is now ready to restore them. There will no longer be a huge distance between them and He’s bringing them back home. Check this out…
25 ‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. 26 They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed towards me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. 27 When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. 28 Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. 29 I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.’ (Ezekiel 39:25-29 NIV)
I don’t want to experience a long distance relationship with the Lord. I want to always be near Him. I want to always hear Him whisper to me. I want Him to occasionally give me a hug. I want His Presence to provide me strength for struggles. I want to do my part to keep my relationship with Him personal and close. I want to talk with Him about everything. I want to spend valuable time with Him. I’ve learned my lesson that a long distance relationship with the Lord is not really a healthy relationship at all.
Pressing On!
Dwayne