Ezekiel 8

“He asked me, ‘Human being, have you seen this? Does the house of Judah consider it a casual matter that they commit the disgusting practices they are committing here, thus filling the land with violence, provoking Me still more? Look! They are even putting the branch to their nose! Therefore, I will act in fury, My eye will not spare; I will have no pity. Even if they cry loudly right in My ears, I will not listen to them.’” Ezekiel 8:17-18 (CJB)

Show me a man who sees his wife in the arms of another man, and he doesn’t get jealous, and I’ll show you a man who doesn’t love his wife. God has found His “wife,” the Jewish people, in the arms of foreign gods. And He is extremely jealous!

God asks Ezekiel, “Does the house of Judah consider it a casual matter…?”  With God, there is no such thing as “casual sex,” so to speak. But to many in Israel, it seemed trivial to go after foreign gods—no big deal.

In our generation, the idea of Biblical idols/deities seems strange. But what if we substitute ancient idols with sports mascots, a flag, or an automobile insignia? On their own, these things may mean nothing. But, collectively, they represent a set of beliefs about life itself. Yes, we also ascribe power to inanimate objects, which belong solely to God. We are not far removed from Ezekiel’s vision.

Consider Darwinian evolution and how it is worshipped in most classrooms as the origin of all that exists; it is, in essence, worship of nature’s powers. “Evolution” differs very little from what the women wailed about beside the north gate of the temple in Jerusalem. Have you checked your horoscope lately? Astrology is nothing short of worship of the (supposed) powers of the stars. And, of course, secular humanism is the worship of the accomplishments of contemporary man.

Whatever the idol, God finds it “detestable.” Idols are a stench in His nose. Consequently, the Lord promises swift punishment. Though God’s people may cry out in prayer under their penalty, God declares that He will not hear them:

“Therefore, I will act in fury, My eye will not spare; I will have no pity. Even if they cry out loudly right in My ears, I will not listen to them.” Ezekiel 8:18 (CJB)

God has been provoked to anger; His jealousy aroused. God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Yet, He does not leave the guilty unpunished. (Exodus 34:6-7) God’s anger is not a fit of irrational temper, and His judgment is not ruthless and mechanical fate. Nevertheless, His anger & judgment are real, and to prove it, there comes the point where He says, “Enough!”  

There will come a day when God’s patience will run out with this world. The sad fact is that while salvation comes exclusively through Jesus and is offered to anyone who would accept it, many will refuse to repent and receive it. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, that He might lift you up and spare you from that terrible day.