Ezekiel_15
Scripture
If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred?
Observation - What does it say?
Because the people of Jerusalem had forsaken God and given themselves to idolatry, they had become useless, unfit for anything but the fiery wrath of God. God is pointing out to Ezekiel that they are already useless, but if possible to be any more useless, they will be after passing through the fire of God’s judgment.
Understanding - What does it mean?
People become like the God (or gods) they worship.
2 Kings 17:15 They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.
The fate of those who worship idols is they become useless, without value. Jesus said if we get disconnected from Him we’re like a branch that is thrown away, withers, and eventually is thrown in the fire. He also said if we lose our saltiness we're no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled by men.
However, those who purify themselves of idolatry and sin not only avoid the fire but have the incredible privilege of becoming a useful tool in God’s hands! I love this passage from Paul’s second letter to Timothy…
2 Timothy 2:20
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Life Application
Prayerfully consider: Are there any idols in my life that are keeping me from being more useful to God?
God, I want to be useful to you! I want to be pure and holy, set apart for whatever You would have me do. Reveal to us any idols in our lives; any thing or any one we are turning to for comfort before You, any thing we are pursuing more passionately than You, any thing that is keeping us from fully obeying You. Draw all of us closer to You. Reveal the areas of sin and make us "instruments for special purposes." In Jesus' name, amen.
- Levi Thompson