Ezekiel 7:22 says, "My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it." This verse, nestled within the prophetic words of Ezekiel, brings forth a sobering revelation about the nature of God's holiness and the consequences of spiritual disobedience.

The context of Ezekiel's message is critical. At the time, the nation of Israel was facing judgment due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. Ezekiel, as a prophet, functioned as God’s mouthpiece, delivering messages meant to awaken a wayward people to the reality of their sin and its repercussions. In the vision revealed in this chapter, God speaks of turning His face away from a people who have turned away from Him. What a significant moment this is—the Creator, who is supposed to be accessible to His people, now withdrawing His presence because of their iniquity.

This verse introduces the concept of the 'secret place'—symbolic of God's most holy presence where communion occurs. The 'secret place' often evokes feelings of intimacy, shelter, and divine refuge. Psalm 91:1, for example, speaks of those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, implying a relationship of closeness and safety. Yet, here in Ezekiel, this sacred place is threatened with defilement due to the rampant sin and violence committed by Israel.

God's withdrawal is not arbitrary; it serves a profound purpose. It is a declaration of the seriousness of sin. When we persist in disobedience, we step outside the protective and nurturing confines of His presence. Imagine the gravity of God saying, "I will turn My face from them." To explore this, let us reflect on the reasons behind such a drastic measure:

1. **The Nature of Holiness**: God’s holiness cannot coexist with sin. When sin enters the sacred spaces of worship, His glory is displaced. The act of polluting the secret place signifies a rejection of His standards of purity and truth. We must recognize that God’s absence is not merely punitive, but is reflective of His essence—it is impossible for sin to dwell in His presence.

2. **Consequences of Robbery**: The reference to 'robbers' symbolizes those who take what does not belong to them, both materially and spiritually. What they defile is not only the place of worship but also the sacred relationship between God and His people. Sin, therefore, is an act of robbery—not just of God’s glory, but of our very souls. The church today must vigilantly guard against spiritual theft, asking ourselves what lies have infiltrated our worship and defiled our hearts.

3. **Awakening to the Divine Call**: God's turning away is not just an act of judgment—it is a divine call to repentance. He longs for His people to recognize their transgressions and return to Him. In embracing the seriousness of our sin, we are led to the beauty of confession, repentance, and restoration. God waits for us to return to that secret place, where He offers grace and renewal.

As we reflect on Ezekiel 7:22, let us consider our individual lives. What are the 'robbers' that have entered our secret places, polluting our communion with God? Is it a habitual sin, a distraction, or perhaps a grudge we carry? The challenge is not only to acknowledge these realities but to actively pursue the restoration of that sacred space in our lives through repentance.

In closing, may we seek to abide in that secret place with the Lord, safeguarding it against every form of defilement. Let us cultivate lives that honor His presence, recognizing that the turning away of His face is a serious matter. Our God is a God of mercy, ready to receive us back into His loving embrace when we turn from our sins. Let us not allow robbers to defile our sacred space, but rather be vigilant in maintaining a pure heart before the Lord. In His secret place, we find life, renewal, and the unfathomable depth of His love. Amen.