Ezekiel 14
Scripture
“Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the LORD will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry. I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.’” Ezekiel 14:2-5 NIV
Observation-What does it say?
Some of the elders of Israel came to Ezekiel, wanting to seek his wisdom as a prophet; however, in their hearts and outwardly, they were still worshipping their idols. The Lord spoke through Ezekiel and basically said that He was having none of it anymore. Their destruction was imminent.
Understanding-What does it mean?
God desires a repentant and surrendered heart. We're either in or out.
Being lukewarm or living a double life doesn't cut it.
“Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2 NIV
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
No one is perfect but Jesus. The Word says we have all fallen short of His glory. (Romans 3:23) We are all in the process of growing more into Christ's image (sanctification). But, there's a difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and change as a result of intimately and personally knowing Jesus. We experience guilt as a result of conviction. Worldly sorrow is rooted in just wanting to get out of the consequences of our sins, yet repeating them over and over again without remorse or waiting until we get caught or we experience more bad consequences. It doesn't lead to a change of heart, because the heart is not completely surrendered to Christ. The voice of the Holy Spirit is being ignored. That was the problem with the elders. They were being hypocritical, pretending that they wanted wisdom from the prophet Ezekiel, but the Lord really knew what was in their hearts.
Life Application
““Therefore say to the people of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!” Ezekiel 14:6 NIV
Dear Jesus, examine our hearts. We pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” I pray that Your Holy Spirit would expose and bring to light any offensive way in me or any idols in my heart and break me free. May I (we) be moved to godly sorrow and repentance so that we can experience a life of fruitful and abundant relationship with You. Amen.