Sisters

In literature, entertainment, and sports, the subject of sisters interacting always seems to be popular. For generations, people have enjoyed the classic works of the Bronte sisters, and their widely read novels, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey, have inspired plays and movies. In the music field, the Andrews Sisters enjoyed popularity for a generation, along with the McGuire Sisters. In more recent times, the musical group Dixie Chicks, founded by two sisters, enthralled audiences with their high-energy performances. In professional sports, Venus and Serena Williams  dominated women’s professional tennis for over a decade.

Such close sorority can engender strong bonds, which can be a real force for positive and constructive accomplishments. But, sadly there can also be strong a negative influence resulting in conflict or strife. Sibling rivalries are legendary. So, sister relationships can help to build individuals up, but can be very destructive when they go awry.

The Bible gives examples of sister relationships, both positive and negative. In the New Testament we read of Martha and her sister Mary. “Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:38–42). It seems that Martha and Mary learned their lesson and served Jesus faithfully.

In the Old Testament Book of Ezekiel, a tragic example is recorded as the prophet describes the degenerate spiritual conditions of ancient Israel, represented by the city of Jerusalem. We find in chapter 16 the account of God’s relationship with Jerusalem/Israel, which is likened to a marriage contract, and a description of the blessings that come with such a contract. Instead of having gratitude and being faithful to her “husband,” Jerusalem/Israel played the harlot, engaging in licentious, perverted behavior described in detail throughout the chapter. The city/nation’s unfaithfulness is summed up with these words: “Your elder sister is Samaria… and your younger sister… is Sodom…. You did not walk in their ways nor act according to their abominations; but, as if that were too little, you became more corrupt than they in all your ways.”

Then the prophet was inspired to write, “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away as I saw fit. Samaria did not commit half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your sisters by all the abominations which you have done. … Yes, be disgraced also, and bear your own shame, because you justified your sisters” (vv. 49–52).

What does this story have to do with us in these modern times? Much, if we understand the duality of prophecy and the identity of the so-called “lost tribes of Israel.” For those with eyes to see, the modern identity of these nations has been revealed.

As we survey the conditions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with rampant sexual immorality, homosexuality, abortion, illicit drug use, human trafficking, and corruption in government and academia, can there be any doubt that modern Israel has become more corrupt that ancient Sodom and Gomorrah? Now, as then, God will intervene to put a stop to these evil and oppressive conditions and establish His Kingdom on earth at the return of Jesus Christ. God speed that day!

Learn from the sisters and order our free booklets The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy and The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? They will guide you into understanding these important prophecies.