It was mid May 2020 when my job in Florida was asking all of its workers to come back in person. At the time I was in Costa Rica, and it was hard to find a flight back because of the global pandemic the world was experiencing. I found one of two humanitarian flights and I set off on my way to Florida. As I was getting ready, I had to learn about all of these new rules I had to follow to be able to fly. I had to wear a mask, gloves, and carry hand sanitizer. They were close to not allowing us to drink water during the trip. Everyone was talking about which was the right mask and how to not get infected. I even came to find out from a friend that they sold her a really expensive sweater that was made with anti-covid materials. I think they scammed her, but we were doing whatever we thought was necessary to protect ourselves.

In today’s scripture of Ezekiel, there is a parable of two sisters who were caught up in lust and prostitution. It is all an analogy showing how Judah and Israel were caught up in the worship of other gods and nations. They were scared and they were doing what they thought was necessary to protect themselves. So, they turned to Egypt, to Babylon, to Assyria, for help and in turn they ended up being conquered.

Whether we know it or not we all turn to something or someone when we feel like we need to protect ourselves. Like when a kid sees a stranger and runs to mom and dad for protection. We can turn to our jobs, our abilities, money, status, social media, etc. to find a place where we feel protected. The problem is, if we are not careful those things can in turn end up controlling us. We will overwork, over earn, or even become consumed by social media all because we want more. Those places become our safe place rather than God’s presence. Without knowing it we are doing the same thing that Israel and judah are… we are turning to idols to protect ourselves when God is the only one who can! Make today the day when you turn from those things back to God.