Scripture reading: Isaiah 46

God hates idolatry. When one studies the stories of the Old Testament and reads about God punishing His people, most likely it is because of disobedience to His commands, and most especially, idol worship. Idolatry is forbidden in the second of the Ten Commandments.

God chose Moses, Abraham, Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel to represent Him in the world He had created. He gave them His laws. He performed miracles on their behalf. He exhibited His power and majesty to His Chosen People. Yet, in spite of having witnessed God’s faithfulness, His deliverance from wars, and His protection and provision, this Chosen People intermarried with nations that God commanded them to stay away from. God knew their hearts would be enticed by their heathen gods.

In the books of Kings and Chronicles, one can read about king after king after king who succeeded the richest and wisest of them all, King Solomon. Most of the narratives include a description that these kings “did evil in the eyes of the Lord” and “caused Israel to commit [sins]”, angering the Lord for their “worship of worthless idols.”

One might say, “But I don’t worship idols!” I say, anything that takes our focus away from the majesty of the Lord is an idol. When we compromise our lifestyles to conform with the world, we diminish God’s lordship in our lives.

You are successful in what you do. Is that you or is that a gift of ingenuity from the Lord?

You were healed! Was that because of prayers to the figurine of a saint, or was that because of the Lord? Or was it primarily because of science?

You experience “good luck” in your home. Is that Feng Shui or a blessing from the Lord?

You avoided “bad luck” because you heeded guidance from your horoscope. Is that a credit to the stars or a blessing from the Lord? Do the Zodiac signs define who you are or did the Lord knit you intricately from your mother’s womb?

Anything that takes our focus away from the majesty of the Lord and failing to give Him credit for our blessings, is an idol. The devil is wise and cunning. If he can cause you to discredit God even in the little things, then he has succeeded in causing you to commit idolatry. He is the master deceiver.

Isaiah 46:3-4 (NKJV) states:
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
and have carried since you were born.
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

From the time we are born till the time of old age, our blessings come from God. He carries us through all our troubles. He provides for us. And when we need it, He rescues us. We don’t often give God the credit He is due. We attribute blessings to a ritual, good luck, superstition, positive energy, or even our own efforts. There is no one like God. Nothing can compare to Him. Only He is God and from Him come all blessings. Only He is worthy of our worship. Yet in spite of all our lack of faithfulness, He comforts us with His promise to take care of us in all of our lifetime.

“Remember the former things of old,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me.”
(Isaiah 46:9)