The word estrange means: to be no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienate. What horror lies in the words: estranged from God. Only those enlightened by the Holy Spirit understand the solemnity here. And as the definition suggests "to be no longer" would imply a former relationship. Unbelievers are in the dark as to their plight but believers cannot bear the thought of estrangement from God.
Ezekiel 14:1-11 gives one of the many writings in the Bible that expresses God's disdain for idolatry. And the reader will not finish the passage confused! God tells the prophet that the elders have "set up idols in their hearts and have put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity." He goes on to say in verse 4 that these men will receive an answer from God in view of the multitude of their idols. And why does God answer these people directly? "In order to lay hold of the hearts." (v. 5) The people of Israel were "estranged from God through their idols."
I've been reading this passage for weeks and it has burdened me greatly as a believer! I must be vigilant
about the ridding of idols in my life. There is nothing on earth I desire that is worth "estrangement from God"! A believer can never have the joy and strength of God while harboring idols of the heart. Verse 6 tells Israel to "repent and turn away from your idols". May we be on guard from holding anything too tightly. Praise God for the gifts and blessings of life! But keep those hands open and raised to a merciful Father Who alone is worthy to be adored!
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