READING: Ezekiel 31-33
There are times when the Bible describes something in a way that gives me pause and makes me think, “Wow. That’s a dramatic picture of reality.” Ezekiel heard such a word picture painted about his audience, those who had been exiled in judgment. Yes, they said to one another, “Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord” (Ezek 33:30). Yes, they seemingly wanted to hear something from the prophet. Yes, they gathered around him to hear some word from the Lord. But, watch how God cut to the core of their soul by revealing what they were really doing:
"So My people come to you in crowds, sit in front of you, and hear your words, but they don’t obey them. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest profit. Yes, to them you are like a singer of love songs who has a beautiful voice and plays skillfully on an instrument. They hear your words, but they don’t obey them.” (Ezek 33:31-32)
I read those words, and I wonder how many people follow that same pattern every Sunday. They come to listen. They express love for God with their mouths even while their hearts pursue something less than God. The worship service is more entertainment — more a song to listen to — than a life-transforming encounter with the living God. I fear these words describe far too many people who will gather for worship this Sunday.
Perhaps even more alarming to me, I fear that sometimes that’s where my heart is.
May this coming Sunday be different!
ACTION STEPS:
- Examine your own heart as you spend the next few days getting ready for worship.
- Plan to come before God in worship this week with a genuine desire to encounter Him. Skip just going through the motions of worship.
PRAYER: “God, prepare my heart to worship You this week. May I be fully and genuinely desiring to meet You.”
TOMORROW¹S READING: Ezekiel 34-36