Scripture

“Should I allow you to ask for a message from me, O people of Israel? Surely as I live,” says the sovereign Lord, “I will tell you nothing.”

Observation

Some of the elders of Israel come to Ezekiel to seek a word from the Lord. The message they get is that there will be no message from the Lord,

The Lord goes through the history of Israel. He starts at the captivity in Egypt and the Exodus. The people never trusted God to give them a good land. They rebelled and refused to let go of the gods of Egypt.

The Lord brought them out of Egypt and led them through the wilderness. He warned the children to not follow their parents in idolatry and to pay attention to the laws. But they did not do this.

When they came to the land, they offered sacrifices to other gods on every high place and under every green tree. They sacrificed their children to be burnt.

As long as they continue to worship other gods, the Lord will not speak to them.

Application

It seems odd that the leaders of Israel would be sacrificing to foreign gods but also seeking God’s word.

This tendency towards syncretism, that is mixing and matching different beliefs, is very common. We might be used to a binary view of all or nothing, but many people prefer a religious buffet where they can pick and choose their beliefs.

The message of this chapter is that God will not speak to people who do this. he must be Lord of every part of our lives and not just Sunday mornings.

The Old Testament describes God as a jealous God. He will not tolerate people who worship Him and also worship idols.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about this chapter?

Keith, many people approach me with a consumer mindset. They want a word from the Lord. They want a message to soothe their souls. They want music that they like and people that they approve of.

You must submit to me in everything. If your heart is focused on what you want, then there will be no word for you.

Yield it all to me. Focus on what I instruct and on your not on your own preferences. Then you will hear my voice and understand my words.