Complete English translation
Desire that is unwilling to be released, ambition that disguises itself as service, a sense of self-righteousness that is stronger than the longing for God's truth.
God, who examines the heart and mind, is not deceived by the beauty of prayer. He will answer — but according to the idols that you keep secretly.
This article is not just a reflection. This is a mirror. Because it could be, what hinders prayer... is not the lack of faith, but the competitor in the throne of the heart.
Idols In The Heart
Read Ezekiel 14:1-4
Pay close attention to this section:
"Thus says the Lord God: Every man from the house of Israel who upholds his idols in his heart and puts a stumbling block before him, who put him into error, then came to the prophet - I, the Lord myself will answer him because of his many idols," heart... that's God's focal point.
Jesus himself always revealed the human heart, not deceived by words or deeds. (John 2:24-25, Mark 2:8).
"But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart..." - Matthew 15: 18 one example of the idols in the heart is clearly depicted in the rebuke of Jesus in Luke 18:9-14.
"And to some people who consider themselves righteous (righteous/dikaios) and look down on everyone else, Jesus said this parable:...."
"Pay attention to the truth of God's Word: God weighs the contents of people's hearts. When someone humiliates others and exalites himself-even though only in the heart, without being spoken, without being manifested in actions—God confirmed that that person went home without justification before Him."
That I may captivate (capture) the hearts of the people of Israel... - Ezekiel 14:5 god's answer that is "in accordance with idols" is not an expression of resentment. That is God's way of revealing what we really hold, so that we are aware, repent, and return to Him.
Examples of God Giving According to Their Idols:
1. Israel Asks The King: 1 Samuel 8:5-22
Desire: The Israelites wanted to have a king like other nations.
God's Response: God said to Samuel, "They did not reject you, but they rejected Me as their King."
But God also said, "Follow their request and appoint a king for them."
Lesson: Sometimes God punishes not by holding back, but by granting requests, so that humans feel the consequences of their request, which is in this case, rejecting God as their King.
2. Quail in the Desert: Numbers 11:4-34
Desire: The Israelites complained because they were bored of eating manna and wanted to eat meat.
God's Response:
: God sends a large number of quails, "until they come out of your nose and you feel sick."
Lesson
: Desires born of dissatisfaction and rebellion can be answered by God — but not as a blessing.
3. Bileam and Desire for Wages: Numbers 22-24
Desire
: Balaam knew the will of God, but his heart was tempted by the gift of Balak.
God's Response
: God allowed Balaam to go, but with anger, because God saw the motives of his heart.
Lesson
: God can let someone walk in error to unmask the contents of his heart.
4. "God Gives Them" to the Desire of the Heart: Romans 1
Desire
: People refuse to know God, exchange truth for lies, and follow their lusts.
God's Response
: "Therefore, God gave them up..." - this phrase appears three times (v. 24, 26, 28).
Lesson
: God's wrath is not always in the form of fire from the sky — sometimes, being allowed to enjoy sin is the scariest form of punishment.
God's discipline is not meant to reject, but to pull us back. His love is greater than our comfort, so he is willing to hurt our idols to save our hearts. "Whoever I love, I will rebuke and beat (discipline);" - Revelation 3:19 but remember... God has given us free will. God will never force us to change our minds (repent/metanoia).
But, in His love, he placed guards to warn us. They will faithfully carry out their duties, as written in Ezekiel 33:1-7.
Judgment is Not the Same as Punishment
Judgment (Judgment / crisis) is a process • God's fair response to the attitude of the heart and human deeds • To reprimand, declare sins, and invite repentance • Occurs during life in the world • The form of God's love that gives the opportunity to return (repent) • Can be experienced by believers or non-believers • Due to continuous sin, rebellion, or idols in the heart • The story of the Purification Fire, the trimmed branch, handed over to the Heart desire, Warning.
Punishment (Condemnation / katakrima) is the result • The final verdict from God is in the form of eternal separation from Him • To eternally punish those who reject His grace • Occurs after death (Last Judgment / Great White Throne) • This is the result of rejecting the truth completely • Only experienced by those who died in rejection of Christ • Final rejection of the Gospel and the work of salvation through Jesus
• The Fable of the Second Death, Eternal Fire, Sulfur Lake
Conclusion: Merciful and not Forceful - Matthew 23:37-39 the God we worship is a God who is full of mercy and generosity. He has prepared the best for His people - a full life, true forgiveness, and charity. But, it's really sad, there are those who still reject Him. Even though you are the Almighty God, the sovereign King over all creation, you never force us to...
Accept Him. His love is not a compulsion, but an invitation. It gives us the honor of free will:
Will we trust Him with all our hearts, or will we still lean on the idols hidden in our hearts?
Important Note:
: Look at the end of Ezekiel 14 and the whole chapter of Ezekiel 9.
Reflection Question: Is Ezekiel 14:21 talking about judgment or condemnation?
Why is there a letter T on people's foreheads in Ezekiel 9:4?