Becoming enticed by the world

The location of ancient Jerusalem had immediate, literal implications for that time, but the location also has symbolic ramifications for us now.

Ancient Jerusalem was located in a busy part of the world, a location that, during the first century, became crucial in quickly spreading the message of Jesus. God says (Ezekiel 5:5, KJV),

This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her.

But due to its central location, Jerusalem was beset on all sides by trouble, whether hostile nations or temptations to sin. It was important that the ancient Hebrews avoid that trouble by remaining obedient to God. Instead, (Ezekiel 5:7, KJV)

[Jerusalem] hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them.

But we commit the same sins today! We are placed "in the midst" of the rest of the world, yet we are asked to be obedient. When we're not obedient, then we're conforming to the world.

Being "sojourners," as the Bible puts it, means staying on constant guard against the troubles and temptations of this world. That is hard work, which requires praying without ceasing.