Strong at the Broken Places: No Substitute
Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?”
Have you ever bought a “knock-off” product? These companies don’t produce unique products but rather make copies of other brands. The other day, my friend showed me a knock-off set of air pods that he swore were as good as the real thing! I tried them and decided to buy the real thing two days later! Knock-offs might be cheaper, but that does not mean they are a good deal! They often let us down!
In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet warned Israel about knock-off gods called idols. During this time in Babylon, people worshiped over 300 different gods. They believed that their daily life was impacted by each one of them. God, however, made it clear that He did not want His people to worship foreign idols. But despite hundreds of years of warning, Israel would not obey.
Idol worship hasn’t gone away; it has just changed outward form. Here are few questions that can help detect idols that can lurk in our hearts:
- Where do I look for security, joy, or significance?
- What stirs my deepest emotions?
- What do I protect most fiercely?
- What do I sacrifice for?
How about you? Is there a chance that you have taken a “good thing” in life and made it the “main thing?” Is there an idol in your heart today?
Take a few moments to read and reflect on Ezekiel 14:1-11 and remember that the best way to recognize a counterfeit is to know the real thing.