Here is Part 500 of our series of studying and understanding the Bible, titled:
Embrace True Worship Because, God Frowns At Idolatry
Jeremiah Chapters 10 is our focus for today.
What is Idolatry?
Google English dictionary describes it as an extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone. In fact, Merriam-Webster dictionary specifically defines idolatry as the worship of a physical object as a god; or when you have immoderate attachment or devotion to something.
This is exactly what the people of Israel and Judah were doing in the Bible, which is still happening today in many parts of the world. Many no longer worship graven images nowadays. Rather, they worship men instead of God Almighty. Many have turned themselves into God to be worshipped by men.
Another level of idolatry we see today is making the image of Bible characters, decorating them, and worshipping them, thereby downplaying the work of Christ and making it of little or no effect.
At the end of the day, it now looks like scarecrows in a corn farm. They cannot speak and they must be carried because they cannot walk.
As a matter of facts, many nations then were also involved in the study of stars and various planetary bodies. Many thought events depended on the power of the stars, which some, as Plato, thought to be endued with spirit and reason. All heavenly phenomena, eclipses, comets, etc. were included. People became afraid of them and were really disturbed.
Therefore, Jeremiah instructed them in Chapter 10:1-5 (GNT) that…
1 People of Israel, listen to the message that the Lord has for you. 2He says, “Do not follow the ways of other nations; do not be disturbed by unusual sights in the sky, even though other nations are terrified.
3 The religion of these people is worthless. A tree is cut down in the forest; it is carved by the tools of the woodworker 4and decorated with silver and gold. It is fastened down with nails to keep it from falling over.
5 Such idols are like scarecrows in a field of melons; they cannot speak; they have to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them: they can cause you no harm, and they can do you no good.”
The truth is that Idols have no power, whether visible or hidden. They are man-made crafts of art used to manipulate and deceive unsuspecting people. So, do not be afraid of them.
Apostle Paul says something about that in one of his Epistles in 1Cor 8:4-6 (TPT)
4 Concerning food sacrificed as offerings to idols, we all know that an idol is nothing, for there is no God but one.
5 Although there may be many so-called gods in this world, and in heaven there may be many “gods,” “lords,” and “masters,”
6 Yet for us there is only one God—the Father. Out of him is all things, and our lives are lived for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus, the Anointed One, through whom we and all things exist.
So, what will be their result at the end of the day?
15 They are worthless and should be despised; they will be destroyed when the Lord comes to deal with them.
Let’s quickly look at what true worship is in John 4:23-24:
23 But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God’s Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants.
24 God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is.”
How do we worship God in Spirit? Apostle Pauls gives us the answer here…
He described true worship very well according to Romans 12:1-2:
“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable, or well pleasing and perfect.”
Idolaters have no place in the Kingdom of God. Whether you are worshipping human idols or material idols, it’s still the same thing. Idol is idol.
Since we know they will all be destroyed at the end of the world, what should be our attitude and resolution now? Apostle Peter has this to say in 2Pet 3:14-16 (TPT).
14 So, my beloved friends, with all that you have to look forward to, may you be eager to be found living pure lives when you come into his presence, without blemish and filled with peace.
15 And keep in mind that our Lord’s extraordinary patience simply means more opportunity for salvation, just as our dear brother Paul wrote to you with the wisdom that God gave him.
16 He consistently speaks of these things in all of his letters, even though he writes some concepts that are overwhelming to our understanding, which the unlearned and unstable love to twist to their spiritual ruin, as they do to other Scriptures.
To be continued…stay blessed in Christ now and always.
Let us pray:
- Remember this that God has not given you the spirit if fear. Never allow any man-made work of arts (called idols) to inject fear into your heart. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, in Jesus name.
- The Lord God will grant you uncommon keys and revelations that will be so powerful that you will be able to unlock uncommon doors that will launch you into a higher level of great achievements in life, receive them right now, in Jesus name.
- You are changing levels into a new dimension of breakthrough that will empower you to help other people move into their own breakthroughs and with this, you will be able to promote God’s Kingdom more among many people, in Jesus name.
- Peace be unto you and your household, in Jesus name. Happy Sunday to you all.
Bible Readings For Today: 2Chronicles Chapters 22, 23 & 24 with Psalm 106:24-48
I call you blessed now and always.
Monday August 10, 2020 (DDMI)
