Not so far away, but so far away.
Ezekiel is shown the house of Israel worshipping false gods, even in the Lord's own house. These weren't people from other nations or religions. These were God's own people, worshipping idols in the very place set apart for His presence. How heartbreaking this must have been to the Lord, and how devastating it must have been for Ezekiel to witness.
"Furthermore He said to me, "Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations."" Ezekiel 8:6
Today, the worship of other gods continues throughout the world, including America. Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Lakshmi, Durga, and Odin are just a few examples of deities worshipped today.
But what about the idols we create in our own hearts?
Money and wealth. Power and influence. Fame and recognition. Sexual pleasure. Material possessions. Personal success. Political allegiance. Self-worship and pride. Comfort and convenience. Even relationships we elevate above God.
We might think the idolatry Ezekiel witnessed was so far removed from our world today, but the reality is that it may not be so far away after all.
What have we made more important than the Lord? What occupies the throne of our hearts?
We may not burn incense before a false god, but have we made idols of things by placing them above Jesus? Even traditions, habits, and good things can become idols when we give them the devotion, trust, and obedience that belong to Him alone.
Let's pray for discernment to recognize the idols in our hearts. Let's repent where we have allowed other things to take His rightful place. And let's turn our hearts, attention, and obedience back to Jesus.
Today is the day! Let's not wait until tomorrow when the Lord is stirring our hearts to respond today.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.