A day in the life of Ezekiel was far from dull. Exiled from Jerusalem and living in Babylon among many other displaced people, he likely resided in a work camp. His companions included former leaders of Jerusalem, influential figures now displaced alongside him.
On multiple occasions, these leaders approached Ezekiel, seeking a message from God. Yet, while they claimed to desire God’s guidance, they also wanted that message to align with their own deepest desires.
Some elders of Israel came to me and sat down before me.
And the word of the Lord came to me:
Mortal, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and placed their iniquity as a stumbling block before them; shall I let myself be consulted by them? (Ezekiel 14:1-3).
Although these leaders had been exiled from their homeland, they had not abandoned the idols they served in Jerusalem. While they clung to pagan idols with one hand, they reached out to God with the other, asking for a message from Yahweh.
Can God take such inquiries seriously when, at their core, they remain devoted to idolatry?
Timothy Keller, a retired Presbyterian pastor who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2023, produced an excellent video titled “Idols of the Heart.” This four-minute video is well worth watching, as Keller highlights how the issues Ezekiel faced with idolatry remain relevant in 2024. Please take a few minutes to explore his insights.
Relevant to Today
Chapter 14 revisits the theme introduced in Chapter 8. The opening verses of Chapter 8 depict an “idol of jealousy” positioned before the altar. When I prayed about this idol, I recognized myself in it—my wants, desires, wishes, plans, all focused on “me, me, me.”
It’s difficult to approach the altar and truly meet with God when an idol stands between us and Him.
Ezekiel refers to this as a stumbling block. He links the issue of a stumbling block with iniquity—a twisted mindset that keeps our own interests in the spotlight rather than leading us to surrender fully to God.
Therefore speak to them, and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Any of those of the house of Israel who take their idols into their hearts and place their iniquity as a stumbling block before them, and yet come to the prophet—I the Lord will answer them as they come with the multitude of their idols,
In order that I may take hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, all of whom are estranged from me through their idols.
Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations (Ezekiel 14.4-6).
We can’t serve both an idol—a substitute for God—and God Himself at the same time. God knows this, which is why He calls us to repent. To repent means to stop where we are, turn around, and start walking with God in His way, not ours.
This was God’s directive through Ezekiel in 590 B.C., and it remains His call for us today in 2024.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 