How does Ezekiel 20:1 demonstrate the importance of approaching God with sincerity? Setting the Scene “ In the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me.” (Ezekiel 20:1) Why the Date Matters • The precision (“seventh year… fifth month… tenth day”) underlines that this was a real historical event, not a parable. • Such detail highlights that every approach to God is noticed and recorded—He sees the moment our hearts turn toward Him (cf. Malachi 3:16). • Because God’s Word is factual and literal, the timestamp shows He holds people accountable for actual choices made at definite times. The Face Value Picture • Israel’s elders “came to inquire of the LORD.” • They even positioned themselves humbly: “they sat down before me.” • Outwardly, everything looked right—attendance, posture, intention. Surface Appearance vs. Heart Reality • Ezekiel 20:3 immediately exposes their motive: “Should I let Myself be consulted by you, O house of Israel?” God discerns their lingering idolatry. • Isaiah 29:13 echoes this theme: “This people draw near with their mouths… yet their hearts are far from Me.” • Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” What Ezekiel 20:1 Teaches about Sincere Approach • God welcomes seekers, yet sincerity is not optional. • An honorable posture without an honest heart is hypocrisy. • Godly inquiry must be joined to godly intent; otherwise, the very act of inquiry becomes judgment against us (cf. James 4:3). • The elders’ insincere visit warns modern believers not to substitute ritual for relationship. Marks of Sincere Seeking 1. Repentant heart—Psalm 66:18: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” 2. Submitted will—Proverbs 3:5–6: acknowledging Him, not leaning on our own understanding. 3. Genuine faith—Hebrews 11:6: “whoever draws near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” 4. Consistent obedience—John 14:21: love proven by keeping His commandments. Practical Steps for Today • Begin every time of prayer by asking the Holy Spirit to search and reveal any hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confess specific disobedience rather than offering vague apologies. • Align motives with God’s glory, not personal gain (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Approach Scripture ready to obey whatever God reveals (James 1:22-25). • Maintain a lifestyle of repentance and faith, not merely moments of inquiry. Takeaway Ezekiel 20:1 shows that God tracks not only the fact that we approach Him but also the state of our hearts when we do. Approaching with sincerity—repentant, obedient, and faith-filled—is the only way to experience His counsel and favor. |
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