As for you, people of Israel, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you! But afterward, you will surely listen to me and no longer profane my holy name with your gifts and idols. – Ezekiel 20:39
God is now getting to the bottom line. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Having walked through Israel’s history of sin and God’s history of mercy to Israel, in the previous verses, the Lord now brings the matter to a head. God gives them a challenge.
God is asking His people to decide. They needed to choose. If they wanted to serve their idols, then they might as well make up their minds and do it. They could become Babylonians in every regard now if that is what they really wanted. But if they chose God, then they were to worship Him with all their hearts. God was telling them they needed to pick a side and stay there.
God clearly longed for Israel’s restoration to the land. It would be a pleasing sacrifice unto Him and it would glorify Him before the Gentiles (v41). But God did not want a divided heart.
When the Israelites brought Yahweh worship from hearts that were also given to idols, it profaned God and His name. In New Testament phrasing, God called Israel to be either hot or cold, but not lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). If anyone loves the world, the love for the Father is not in them (1 John 2:15).
Today, the idols we worship may or may not be graven images. However, anything that takes priority over God is an idol. And this could range from our achievements, careers, physical looks to relationships and addictions.
Do you have an undivided heart?
Lord, may my heart ever be committed to you alone, I pray.
Extended Reading — Ezekiel 20-21
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