At the conclusion of the case for judgement against Israel (Ezekiel 12-24), we read that Babylon arrives to finally conquer Jerusalem. With this comes the destruction of the Temple, the symbol of God’s presence with the people (Exodus 15:17; 1 Kings 8:29; Psalm 132:13-14). It represented His rule and visually manifested His glory. How significant it is that from God’s perspective, purging sin and purifying His people at a spiritual level, is far more important than preserving any physical building.

At the end of this extended section of the book, there is a heartbreaking reference to the death of Ezekiel’s wife. What makes this even more stark, is that Ezekiel is told that he is not to outwardly mourn her passing (24:15). While there is an element here which speaks of the seriousness of ministry obedience, and it is true that God does ask His people to suffer in various ways for Kingdom purposes, there is a more important lesson for us here.

Ezekiel’s outward demeanour served as an object lesson, as he redirects the exile’s attention to the more significant cause for mourning. The exiles were not to mourn, because they were mourning for the wrong reason. It is not the loss of the physical (the city), or the symbolic (the temple) that mattered, rather their spiritual condition. The more significant loss was the hardening of their hearts, the internal idolatry and adultery that brought Gods’ judgement.

Ezekiel warns against the misplaced trust in institutions, particularly to the neglect of God’s ways. No political, economic, or religious structure is invincible from failure or judgement. Even the church, which Jesus Himself promises will prevail against the forces of chaos (Matthew 16:18) is not exempt from the purifying discipline of the Lord (Ephesians 5:26-27, Revelation 2:5).

What matters most to God? Is it the transformation if His people, or the perpetuation of institutions? For what do we most mourn? The state of our hearts, or the loss of our idols?