Whose Steps Are We Following?

O. T. #1870 "Whose Steps Are We Following?"

January 28, 2021

Ezekiel 8-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

As a child, I would try to follow in dad's footstep in the snow. I had to do giant steps to be able to walk in them. So I wonder, whose steps are we following in today-those who do wickedness or Jesus' steps? The Jews way back in Ezekiel follow in the wrong steps. Read on to find out whose it was.

 

Jesus took Ezekiel in the spiritual realm to see in visions how the people in Jerusalem were worshiping. And the glory of God was there, but later left. It was their 5 sinful ways of worshiping idols that was seen by the prophet:

1. The image of jealousy was perhaps an idol of Baal set at the door of the inner gate on the northern side.

2. At the inner court wall there were images engraved of abhorrent creatures and beasts, probably considered unclean to Jews.

3. Then 70 elders offered incense to various gods of a baser sort, images on the wall.

4. Women wept before the Babylonian god of vegetation.

5. Lastly, 25 priests in the inner court turned their backs on the Holy of Holies where God had dwelt, worshiping toward the eastern sun. (verse 16)

This was the place where only Jewish priests were allowed and where they offered sacrifices for the Jews' sins. This was the practice of Persian worship as they bowed toward the east before the pagan god of the sun. I did not realize that until studying this in various commentaries.

The Jews in Jerusalem were incorporating the Phoenician, Egyptian, and Persian impure worship of idols, even committing heinous sins in the sight of God.  (Clarke Commentary)

Those men seen by Ezekiel were casting contempt on God, His worship, and the place of it. The sanctuary faced east and west. The priests originally bowed down facing west before the brazen altar when offering burnt offerings. (John Gill)

Finally, after studying Isaiah and Jeremiah, now Ezekiel, and reading of the visions God gave His prophets, I can actually understand how deeply this hurt God. His people had turned away from Him. They were without excuse, for the Jews had oracles, ordinances, and commandments from God concerning how to live and honor Him. Certainly, it was not a light thing for the house of Judah that they commit abominations.

LET IT GROW

Abominations means disgusting; abhorrence; idolatry or an idol.

What did the wicked Jews do? God explains in verse 17:

1. They filled the land with violence. Those that wronged God also wronged others without a conscience of the wrongs.
2. They returned to the Temple to provoke God to anger (through idol worship). Repeatedly they did it over and over again.
3. They put a branch to their nose. This was a custom used to honor idols they served. (Garlands were used in idol worship, found in Acts 14:13.

Is it any wonder that God said He would deal in wrath and not have pity, as will as not hear their cries? His very Name would be at stake if He tolerated this. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Because the Jews filled their land with violence, God was going to do the same thing using their enemies with violence.

It is not the loud voice, but the upright heart that God will regard. (Matthew Henry)

We read of this in Proverbs 1 by Solomon. The sinners run to evil, shed blood, are greedy of gain, are scorners and fools and wicked who hate knowledge, refused God when He called them, and would not reverence Him.

Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me.  (Proverbs 1:28)

But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. (Proverbs 1:33)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

LET IT GO

May we hearken unto God, obeying His Word and Holy Spirit.

May we not follow in the steps of the wicked, but in the steps of Jesus.