None of us would readily regard ourselves as idol worshippers. After all, we tell ourselves that we are followers of Jesus and have done with the past. We associate idol worship with rural people. But what of the ‘idols of our time’? How do they affect your thoughts and actions? Ask the Lord to help you recognize idols in your life and free you from their influence.
Jeremiah 17:1-8
In Jeremiah’s time the people of Judah had turned to idol worship and placed their trust in material possessions (vs 2,3). Because of this, God warned them that he would send an enemy to take away their wealth (v 4).
In our day idol worship takes on many forms. An idol is anything that draws us away from the Lord. It could even be our family or friends. Fame and success in ministry also have the potential of separating us from the Lord.
It is the person who places his hope in the Lord, rather than trusting in fame or fortune, who says fresh and strong (v 8a). They are no longer victims of circumstances. When our life and future are based on what people can do for us, our spiritual life is stifled, and we become like a bush in the wastelands: visible and promising but dead. When our hope is in the Lord, we will bear much fruit (v 8b).
Meditation
Allow God to touch your eyes so that you will discern the subtleties of modern idolatry. Pray that public officials will not easily succumb to idolatrous influences. If you personally know such people, pray for them by name.
Shalom,
Moshe.
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