Scripture

“Because of your detestable idols, I will punish you like I have never punished anyone before or ever will again.”

Observation

The Lord tells Ezekiel to take a sharp sword and use it as a razor to shave his head and his beard. He is to use a scale to divide the hair into three parts. The first third he is to put on his model of Jerusalem under siege where he will burn it. Another third he is to scatter across hismap and then chop into pieces with his sword. The last portion is to be scattered into the wind.

The first portion represents people who will be killed by famine in the siege. A third of the people will die by the sword, and a third will be scattered and sent into exile.

The Lord says this is because the people have worshipped vile images in the temple. The Lord’s anger will rage against his own people, and they will know that the Lord is angry with them.

Application

The Lord was angry with the people because they abandoned his covenant with them to worship idols, just like the nations around them.

A nation that is formed by God, protected and nurtured by Him will experience disaster when the people abandon God for other idols. This happened to Israel in the past and it is happening to the USA, the UK and Australia now. Politicians and bureaucrats try to juggle multiple economic, social and political issues, but they ignore the real solution — turn back to the Lord. The Lord will not reject a humble and contrite spirit,

As Christians, we need to repent of the idols we hold dear and turn to God with total devotion.

Listen

Lord, what would you say to me regarding idols in the church?

Keith it is true that satan constantly seeks to distract and corrupt the church with false gods.

The drive to be relevant to the community, to be acceptable by the world is the worst. Those ministers and denominations that proclaim a gospel that welcomes sexual perversion are no ministers and no denominations of mine. They are an abomination.

Wealth is an idol for many churches. To get the gospel preached into the world is a noble goal, but it can become an excuse for getting and accumulating wealth.

Your treasures are to be gathered in heaven not on earth.