The elders of Israel who were with Ezekiel in Babylon came to him to inquire of the Lord. They were probably looking for some advice for improving their situation in exile, or hoping to find out when God would restore them to their land. But God told Ezekiel that he would not let these elders inquire of him (3). Why not? They first needed to hear the reasons for God’s judgment on Israel and bear the fruit of repentance in their hearts (4).

The main sin that caused Israel to be exiled was idolatry. Even though God had told them since the time Moses brought them out of Egypt to get rid of their idols, they held on to them, because their hearts were devoted to idols (17). Children saw their parents worshiping idols (24), so sin was transmitted from generation to generation. Finally, God had to show them through severe discipline how idols defiled them and their land (26).

We cannot expect to receive God’s help while we still have desire to cling to idols of money, pleasure, or self-glorification. When the Holy Spirit works in our hearts, our true desire is to have a pure heart to love God. When we seek this through Jesus Christ, all other things can be given to us as well (Mt 6:33).
Application: Father, thank you for teaching us the destructiveness of idolatry. Help me listen to your word even when it’s not what I wanted to hear and be cleansed of idolatry in my heart.
One Word: Get rid of idols