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TO CHEW ON: "May the Lord give you increase more and more,
You and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord
who made heaven and earth." Psalm 115: 14-15
Psalm 115 contrasts trust in idols with trust in God. The writer outright ridicules idolatry, pointing out that the object worshiped is made with common materials, is the work of a human person, and has no senses—no sight, hearing, smell or touch—and no abilities to hold things, talk or walk - Psalm 115:3-8.
So what's the appeal of an idol?
There is within us all a need for someone or something beyond ourselves. We want help and advice from someone bigger and more powerful than we are when circumstances go against us. We long for someone or something to admire and aspire to. In Bible times people responded to this need by carving or molding images, ascribing power to them, and worshiping them instead of God. Satan used and uses that worship impulse to take the allegiance of mankind for himself and his minions. Bible writers unmask the occultic magnetism of idol worship:
- Moses calls idol sacrifices "sacrifices to demons" - Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17.
- The writer of 2 Chronicles characterizes the high places for idol worship made by Rehoboam as built "for the demons" - 2 Chronicles 11:15.
- Psalm 106 calls child sacrifice to idols a sacrifice "to demons" - Psalm 106:37.
- The devil himself, recognizing that an idol doesn't have to be an actual image but can be something abstract, offered to Jesus, after showing Him the kingdoms of earth: "All this authority I will give you, and their glory … if you will worship before me" - Luke 4:6,7.
- Paul in 1 Corinthians speaks frankly about how idols are two-sided—powerless images but with the power to corrupt and degrade because of their connection to the demonic - 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.
- John sees that the worship of idols and other creatures will be a force for Satan in a time still to come - Revelation 9:20; 13:4; 14:9; 19:20.
We are probably not tempted to worship actual idol images but do we realize that the idols we do worship—that resemble the type of abstract idol with which Satan tempted Jesus—are just as powerless to deliver true joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment?
Do we realize, as well, who is behind them—trying to get our worship for himself?
But we don't have to worship idols. We can bring that impulse to worship to the One who has the power and means to deliver true success and happiness.
May the Lord give you increase more and more
You and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord
who made heaven and earth." - Psalm 115:14-15
PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to recognize and tear down anything that is an idol in my life. Amen.
MORE: Some modern idols.
Some of our modern gold and silver images may be:
"Approval idolatry: 'Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am loved and respected by …'
Control idolatry: 'Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am ablt to get mastery over my life in the area of …'
Helping idolatry: 'Life only has meaning / I only have worth if people are dependent on me.'
Work idolatry: 'Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am highly productive and get a lot done.'
Achievement idolatry: ' Life only has meaning / I only have worth if I am being recognized for my accomplishments / excelling in my career.' - by Tim Keller in Counterfeit Gods, quoted by Dale Hanson Bourke in Embracing Your Second Calling, pp. 90, 91.
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Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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