19th May 2025

Heart Problem

Thus says the Lord God: “Repent, turn away from your idols,

and turn your faces away from all your abominations.”

Ezekiel 14:6 

 Today's Bible Reading: Ezekiel 14:1–8.

In Ezekiel, we see how deeply idolatry afflicted the people of Judah. When Jerusalem’s leaders approached the prophet, God revealed, “These men have set up idols in their hearts” (Ezekiel 14:3). This was not just about carved wood or stone—God was exposing idolatry as a matter of the heart. It's a struggle common to us all.

Scripture emphasizes that idols are ultimately nothing (Jer. 2:11; 16:20). They are lifeless objects shaped by human hands, with no power of their own. Samuel calls them “useless things” (1 Sam. 12:21), and Paul affirms, “We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world” (1 Cor. 8:4; 10:19–20). Yet modern idols still abound. We elevate money, possessions, careers, status, appearance, and entertainment—sometimes even noble things—into places only God should occupy. When we seek comfort or identity in anything other than the living God, we fall into idolatry.

“Repent!” God commanded. “Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!” (v. 6). Israel could not do this on their own. But God provided the answer. Looking ahead to Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, He promised, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (36:26). On our own, we are powerless—but God makes the impossible possible.

Prayer: Father, show me the idols in my heart, and help me destroy them and live in Your love. In Jesus name. Amen.