AUGUST 21 – Reading 233

by John Pra | August 21

“GOD LEFT”
(Ezekiel 8:1-10:22)

“And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord… Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house…” – Ezekiel 10:4, 18

“It is the duty of every man, that wishes to escape the plague and punishment of God, to declare himself an enemy to idolatry, not only in heart, hating the same, but also in external gesture.”  – John Knox

One of the most tragic moments in Scripture is found in Ezekiel chapter 10. The sobering moment that God removed His glory from the Temple. We witness the slow, deliberate departure of the presence of God from the very place He once chose as His dwelling among His people. This was not an impulsive decision – it came after generations of persistent idolatry, hypocrisy, and a refusal to repent. Israel had filled God’s house with false gods and polluted worship, preferring their idols over the One True God.

This isn’t merely a historical tragedy, it’s a warning for every generation. God does not share His glory with idols (Isaiah 42:8). Idolatry isn’t just bowing to statues; it’s giving our ultimate trust, love, and allegiance to anything or anyone other than God – success, family, sex, hobbies, pleasures. When we try to serve both God and our idols, we find ourselves distant from His presence.

Yet, even in judgment, there is mercy. God had made a covenant with Israel. A promise that He would not leave them forever. He came to Israel again in the most glorious way. Nearly 600 years later an angel visited a teenage girl and a young man to announce a miraculous birth. They were told to “’call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:21a-23)

Application

• Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart.  What idols have crept in? What things compete for your affections? When we feel distant from God is it because you’ve allowed other gods into His temple?

• Repent. Repentance is the way back to God. Not just feeling sorry, but reversing course, removing the sin, and returning to your first love. The Holy Spirit empowers you to fight sin, love God above all, and keep your heart as sacred ground for His glory.

Closing Prayer
Lord God, I confess that I have allowed idols to take up space in the temple of my heart. Forgive me for loving other things more than You. Cleanse me from hypocrisy and double-mindedness. Thank You for the grace You’ve shown through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for me and now lives within me. Help me walk by the Spirit, guarding my heart, and worshiping You alone. May Your glory never depart from me, but dwell richly in all I am and do. Amen.