God gave Ezekiel another vision for the elders of Israel—and for us. Ezekiel saw a fiery angelic being, who picked him up in the spirit and flew him to Jerusalem, where he could see how much sin was being committed there.

Ezekiel saw an idol that had been set up near the inner court of the temple (3). Then the angel had Ezekiel go inside the city wall, where people were worshiping images of unclean creatures. Who was worshiping in this detestable way? They were the elders, who were supposed to be spiritual guides of Israel! God also showed women who were worshiping the Babylonian god Tammuz, and men bowing down and worshiping the sun (14,16). These were the types of sins that would bring God’s judgment on Jerusalem. God wanted Ezekiel to see these sins, even though they were unpleasant, so no one could pretend these things were not happening or think idolatry was something abstract.

Sinful acts are often done in the dark to keep them a secret. But this does not make them less detestable, even if no human being knows about them. Idolatrous practices corrupt our very soul. In Jesus, we are called to be children of light who have come out of darkness.
Application: Father, I know that you can see all sin. Help me not love things done in darkness.
One Word: Leave behind detestable practices