Sin is often far more subtle and insidious than many realize. When the Lord exposed the elders who came to Ezekiel (14:3), He again revealed that humanity’s fatal flaw is no mere act of disobedience, but wholly defective affections, perverted worship – “idols in their hearts.”
After observing the presence of idolatry throughout human history, John Calvin commented:
From this we may gather that man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols… Man’s mind, full as it is of pride and boldness, dares to imagine a god according to its own capacity; as it sluggishly plods, indeed is overwhelmed with the crassest ignorance, it conceives an unreality and an empty appearance as God (Institutes, I.XI.8).
That’s not exactly a flattering portrayal of human spirituality – what a mess!
And yet, the Lord extends His hand to all who “turn away from your idols” (14:6). Anticipating the full redemption He would accomplish in Christ, how He would give His people “one heart” (Ezek 11:19), and make us “alive together with Christ” (Eph 2:5) – our God mercifully receives those who turn from idols to Him in faith. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas 4:8).
One day, the transforming work of God in Christ will be complete. There will be no more idols and no more divided loyalties in our hearts. Until that day, we pray continually with David, “Unite my heart to fear Your name” (Ps 86:11).
Yours for the Master,
Pastor Steve
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