Monday - Ezekiel 14 - Invisible Idols

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group of Jewish leaders came to Ezekiel to hear the word of the Lord. But the content delivered was not that which was anticipated, neither was it at all complimentary, nor even in the least bit palatable at all to that audience. These men must have appeared to be devout and pious on the outside, but their idolatry was hidden. Their idols were invisible. Yet, there they were, sitting before the prophet of God, keeping up appearances. Or, maybe they actually thought God would give them some answers. Maybe they thought they could have it both ways. But they were wrong. God doesn't readily share His position with false gods – well, not at all actually. The only interest God had in their approach was if they were approaching to repent (vs. 6). Without repentance, even the elders and prophets were doomed to die in their sins (vs. 8-9). God was determined to cleanse His nation, for keeps (vs. 11).

Now, you want to talk about being in some serious trouble. These Jews were in it deep. To emphasize this, God named a few "Who's Who" characters from Israel's past and then clarified that even if these men (Noah, Daniel and Job) were still around, their presence would do nobody any good (other than themselves - see Ezekiel 14:14). God had a foursome of miserable judgments planned out in order to accomplish His will in Jerusalem: "the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence" (vs. 21). He also had a wonderful result in mind though (vs. 22-23). There would come a day when it would be recognized by all that there was no other way for God to fix things other than by bringing His severe judgment upon His own people.