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How can two people walk hand in hand if they aren’t going in the same direction?
“They do not need to be agreed about everything. They must, however, wish to keep each others company, and they must be going by the same road to the same place.”
Alexander MacLaren
This is a rhetorical question asked by God and a powerful illustration of Israel’s choices. In order for this to happen, two people must meet together. They must agree on where they are going, and what path they are taking. They must have the same goals and ideals. They must care for each other in order to go hand in hand. This is where the truth needed to sink in for Israel. The above statements were not true in their case. They could not expect God to walk hand in hand with them as they pursued their sin. It simply cannot happen.
Furthermore, God sums up these rhetorical questions by stating that He has told His prophets the whole story. So, not only are they going different directions, but God has revealed in plain, understandable language which direction He is going. Keep in mind that He is also gracious in giving them fair warning and allowing them to repent. These are revelations we are utterly incapable of comprehending without His divine intervention.
“The closer our relationship with God, the more searching His scrutiny and chastening. The sins of God’s children which may seem of slight consequence are rigorously dealt with by their Heavenly Father, who loves them too well to allow their life to be permanently injured.”
F.B. Meyer
God could have left Israel in their filth. He could have left us in our filth. He didn’t… and this reality punctuates His relentless love for you and for me.