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Unveiling the Hidden Heart: Finding Idols in Your Life (Ezekiel 8)

Ever find yourself watching someone making choices contrary to God’s ways, yet blind to their own missteps?

It’s easy to point out others’ errors, but have you ever paused to reflect on your own actions? Are there habits or priorities you hold dear that might unknowingly distance you from God?

Reconnect: Before diving into Ezekiel 8, let’s recall the broader context of Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry. In the previous chapters, Ezekiel received his commission from God, a daunting task to be a watchman for Israel. He has been warning the people of impending judgment due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry. Now, in Ezekiel 8, we witness a vivid portrayal of the spiritual condition of Jerusalem, revealing the depth of their depravity and God’s righteous judgment.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 8

Vision of Abominations in Jerusalem

      1It came about in the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month, as I was sitting in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell on me there. 2Then I looked, and behold, a likeness as the appearance of a man; from His loins and downward there was the appearance of fire, and from His loins and upward the appearance of brightness, like the appearance of glowing metal. 3He stretched out the form of a hand and caught me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the idol of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy, was located. 4And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the appearance which I saw in the plain.

      5Then He said to me, “Son of man, raise your eyes now toward the north.” So I raised my eyes toward the north, and behold, to the north of the altar gate was this idol of jealousy at the entrance. 6And He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations which the house of Israel are committing here, so that I would be far from My sanctuary? But yet you will see still greater abominations.”

      7Then He brought me to the entrance of the court, and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall. 8He said to me, “Son of man, now dig through the wall.” So I dug through the wall, and behold, an entrance. 9And He said to me, “Go in and see the wicked abominations that they are committing here.” 10So I entered and looked, and behold, every form of creeping things and beasts and detestable things, with all the idols of the house of Israel, were carved on the wall all around. 11Standing in front of them were seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan standing among them, each man with his censer in his hand and the fragrance of the cloud of incense rising. 12Then He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are committing in the dark, each man in the room of his carved images? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” 13And He said to me, “Yet you will see still greater abominations which they are committing.”

      14Then He brought me to the entrance of the gate of the LORD’S house which was toward the north; and behold, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz. 15He said to me, “Do you see this, son of man? Yet you will see still greater abominations than these.”

      16Then He brought me into the inner court of the LORD’S house. And behold, at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were prostrating themselves eastward toward the sun. 17He said to me, “Do you see this, son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they have committed here, that they have filled the land with violence and provoked Me repeatedly? For behold, they are putting the twig to their nose. 18“Therefore, I indeed will deal in wrath. My eye will have no pity nor will I spare; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, yet I will not listen to them.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Revealing the Hidden Abominations:
    • In Ezekiel’s vision, he is transported to Jerusalem, where he sees the elders of Israel engaging in idol worship in the inner court of the temple. They have replaced the worship of the one true God with idols, turning their backs on His commandments.
    • Despite the facade of religious observance, the hearts of the people are far from God. The secret sins committed in the darkness are brought to light before Ezekiel’s eyes, exposing the depth of their spiritual decay.
  2. The Consequences of Idolatry:
    • God’s response to the idolatry of His people is swift and severe. He declares judgment upon Jerusalem, promising to withdraw His presence from the temple and bring destruction upon the city.
    • The consequences of their idolatry extend beyond physical destruction; they also face spiritual desolation, as God’s presence departs from their midst due to their unrepentant hearts.
    • Remember idolatry is more than false gods. It includes anything or anyone we put in an equal or higher place of importance than God through our actions or thoughts.
  3. God’s Call to Repentance:
    • In the midst of judgment, God still extends an invitation to repentance. Despite the depths of their sin, there is still an opportunity for the people to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.
    • Ezekiel’s vision serves as a warning to all generations about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments. It reminds us that God sees the hidden sins of our hearts and calls us to repentance and renewal.

Call to Action:

  • Examine Your Heart: Take time to reflect on your own life and ask God to reveal any hidden sins or areas of idolatry. Be willing to confront these areas and turn back to God in repentance.
  • Seek God’s Presence: Don’t take God’s presence for granted. Cultivate a life of intimacy with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.
  • Embrace Repentance: If God reveals areas of sin in your life, don’t hesitate to repent and turn back to Him. His grace is sufficient to forgive and restore all who come to Him with a contrite heart.

Closing: In the turbulent landscape of Ezekiel’s vision, we are confronted with the sobering reality of God’s holiness and the consequences of disobedience. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, there is hope for repentance and restoration for those who turn back to God. May we heed the warnings of Ezekiel 8 and strive to live lives that honor and glorify God in all we do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, As we reflect on the words of Ezekiel 8, we are reminded of Your holiness and Your righteous judgment. Help us to examine our hearts and turn away from any form of idolatry or sin that separates us from You. Grant us the grace to repent and turn back to You, knowing that You are faithful to forgive and restore us. May our lives be a reflection of Your glory, as we seek to honor You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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