Monday: Creatures or the Creator?
As we have seen already, God’s people had been called out to be different from the nations around them, which were all steeped in paganism, idolatry, and false teachings. So many of the warnings in the first five books of Moses were especially against following the practices of their neighbors.
Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com
Instead, the Israelites were to be witnesses to the world of the truth about the Lord as Creator and Redeemer. Unfortunately, so much of Old Testament history is the story of how they were often lured into the very practices that they were warned against.
Read Jeremiah 10:1-15. What is the Lord telling His people here? If this same warning were given today, in our time and culture and context, how might it be written?
Jeremiah is telling the people what they should have already known: these pagan gods are nothing but human creations, figments of people’s own demonically warped imaginations. This is a prime example of what Paul, writing centuries later, meant when he wrote about those who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen
(Rom. 1:25).
Notice in this verse how Paul contrasts the creation and the Creator. This same contrast is presented in these verses in Jeremiah, which talk about the impotence and weakness of these gods
in contrast to the true One. All through these texts Jeremiah is trying to show the people how foolish and silly it is to put their trust in these things, which are incapable of doing anything. All this in contrast to the Creator God, who not only created the world but sustains it by His power (see Heb. 1:3).
However ancient these texts, the message is still so relevant. We might not be tempted to bow down and worship man-made statues; nor are most of us dismayed or worried about the signs in the heavens. Instead, though, it’s still so easy to put our trust in things that can no more save us than these idols could save Judea on the day of judgment.
What are some things that, if we are not careful, we come to trust more than we should?
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What are some things that, if we are not careful, we come to trust more than we should?
1). Our Career, Position, Status at work, society, church.
2). Our Spouse, Children,
3). Our worldview and friends.
When the above and other matters are prioritized above God and His Will on us then they become idols in our heart. We need to die daily so that we remain true to our individual, family and church call and mandate to God and fellow humans. We need to soften some of die hard views and positions on how we deal with family, church and people that while we are faithful to God only and not mankind/humans, we merciful and lenient to them according to God and Jesus Christ's dealing to us individually as well for otherwise we become hypocrites and become heartless to our loved ones, family, society and church member's wrongs and failures that we are unrelenting in forgiving them when they do realize their wrongs and weakness. Let us not be Gods over them nor Lord over them in our dealings but be merciful and accepting to them as fellow creatures together on earth.
Well said. Most of us " Christ followers" dwell so much on our educational status and sometimes make a mockery of the ones who don't have any. Education is important, yes, but wisdom is just as important.
In the context of this discussion about idolatry, it may be worth considering whether we sometime make an idol out of our church. Is it possible that in our own minds we put the church and its media identities in front of our relationship with God? Do we rely on the church or leaders with a powerful media presence to make statements that tell us what is right and wrong, rather than searching the Scriptures ourselves.
I see some parallels with the Kingdom of Judah; more concerned about who they were as a nation rather than individuals seeking God and sharing that experience with the nations around them.
Don't get me wrong. I think that the Church is important but if we use the church, or church leaders as an excuse for not thinking for ourselves, then it is quite possible that we have made the Church or is leaders idols. It is worth thinking about the significance of our own relationship with God and the role that the church should play in supporting that relationship.
I agree that we can set up the church in the place of God. The church should represent God, but it should not be allowed to become a substitute for God (an idol). If we allow the church to over-rule conscience, or if we allow it to dictate in matters where it has no right to interpose, then we are making a serious mistake.
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"No human being [and especially not a minister,] is to seek to bind other human beings to himself, as if he were to control them, telling them to do this, and forbidding them to do that, commanding, dictating, acting like an officer over a company of soldiers. This is the way the priests and rulers did in Christ's day, but it is not the right way." (Gospel Workers p. 484)
This is so true and it's so easy to fall in to. I worry when people go to church and consistently say, 'pastor said this or or minister said this', versus saying, 'the bible says...'; I've done this before and I have to catch myself. Our pastor is our leader / guide, we should back up what he says by finding it and confirming it in the Word.
I also get worried when I've attended churches and the leader says, 'put your bibles away...' that's a red flag for me as no single man's word is above that of the Lord's word. I think because of society today, we're hand fed everything so when it comes to the Word of God there's no difference. We seek the quickest way with everything and getting the word, being fed by the word, it's easier is to be spoon fed and not have to seek it out ourselves. I think this is the devils trap for us and allows in the false teachings, false prophets because we as people, aren't seeking it out ourselves and don't know if what we're being fed is real and biblically truthful.
Again and again it comes up in the book of Jeremiah that Judah was unduly influenced by ungodly neighbors and the result was idolatry and apostasy. The manufacture of objects from wood and stone for direct worship was copied from neighbors (Jeremiah 10:2-8). In modern times the neighbors of God’s people also worship gods manufactured of wood, stone and fabric; only they do so by way of materialism, Satan’s special trap for the remnant people.
Materialism is nurtured because warnings about riches (Mark 4:18-19) are often diluted by the response – “There is nothing wrong with riches”, as if to convince someone against some false belief. Such reassurance (of the obvious) signals that there is nothing to worry about, so carry on as before. The guard is let down and the trap does its work.
Along with materialism undue homage to celebrated individuals, including religious stars comprise present idolatry. The worship of the beast (Revelation 13:8) describes the honor given to men and their doctrine above God’s. Both forms of idolatry are easily transferred by mingling.
In the last day church the arguments for mingling supposedly to witness are loud and persistent and one may get confused about the relationship between the faithful and others. In scripture there is no counsel to casually get involved in the activities of those without the truth to learn their ways. Rather the caution against getting too close is sharp (Deuteronomy 7:1-5).
The mingling of the faithful with others ought not to be a loose or casual unguarded association which opens the door to unholy influence. Rather it is intentional contact calculated to share like Jesus did. The Messiah did not join in many activities, including attending the religious schools, and as a result incurred the chastisement of peers, including his brothers (Mark 3:20-32).
Still, the messiah identified with His neighbors by sympathizing with their needs and connected to influence, not to be influenced. The least time was spent with the Pharisees, for they hardly felt any need. Their attention was sometimes obtained by sharp statements (Matthew 23:13-23).
Hugh, you wrote, "In the last day church the arguments for mingling supposedly to witness are loud and persistent and one may get confused about the relationship between the faithful and others."
If the mingling is only "supposedly for witness" but in reality for personal advantage, there is a problem.
But there is an equal problem in avoiding mingling for fear of contamination. That is exactly what the Pharisees did in the time of Christ. They did not mingle, but it did not stop them from crucifying the Lord of glory.
The bottom line is that if we are to do Christ's work on this planet, we *must* mingle with people in a manner that demonstrates that we desire their good. We must show an interest in them and make friends with them, just as Christ did. It is only when we have made friends with people that they will listen to what we have to say about Christ.
Perhaps the meaning of "mingle" needs further defining, as I find agreement with both of you. Mingle can mean yoked together with or coming close to. There is a difference. Yoked together means to form an alliance. Coming close to means not avoiding.
Jesus came close to sinners, but did not form an alliance with them. Joseph was in Egypt, but was not of Egypt. Same with Daniel, as his night in the Lion's den proves. While we are in the world, we cannot become partners with it since this is the "wrong" world to partner with. We are here as witnesses to this world of the world to come, and we must "live" in the heavenly realm while here. While walking among the lawless, we must "walk in the law of the Lord"(ps 119:1).
Creatures or the Creator?
Ps 118:8,9, Jer 17:5
With reference to Maurice Ahton's article about making the church into an idol, let me say that when I first joined the church in 1965, there was a distinct judgmental attitude of other religions and a isolation from people holding different interpretation of scripture, in other words a "them and us" mentality. People regarded the word of the pastor as correct without critical thought. I came from a Lutheran background and the same mentality prevailed there also; why should we examine the preacher or check the Bible, after all that's his job and he gets paid for it.
It requires discipline and application to research something, and the ability to think for oneself is greatly diminished in this age where everything is served up on a plate at the press of a button. It is so easy to sit back and go with the flow. Let me say at this point I am not out to "bag", the church and leaders, strength lies in fellowship, but it vitally important to study the Bible individually just like the ancient Bereans did before accepting Paul's message.
As Maurice pointed out in an earlier post, it is the PRACTICE of Christianity that will be counted in the end.
(thanks Maurice for your hymn reference)
Jeremiah 10:1-5. Learn not their ways.
"...If this same warning were given today, in our time and culture and context, how might it be written?"
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"Do not be materialistic. Let us not learn the ways of consumerism and fashion; do not be dismayed at the prospect of being 'different'. Many today are frightened at the thought of not conforming to the ways of the world.
"Do not choose people in the crowd [i.e. forest], and make them into your idols... Do not make them into something that can do no wrong [i.e. fastened upright so that they cannot fall over]...
"Let us not dress up violence and deceit, making them appear attractive and fun..."
People, myself included, are so sensitive to possible criticism of their relationship with Jehovah that it is difficult to show them were they could improve.
That is why I find it so helpful studying Judah through the experience of Jeremiah, I can easily identify where and how they started down the slippery slope and hopefully apply the knowledge to my own life and improve my relationship with Jesus.
The points I have also noticed are:
1. They relied on the leaders too much
2. They associated with the pagans too much
3. They wanted to hear a "health & wealth" message
The solutions I find in the Word are:
1. Spend more time alone with Jehovah & His Word
2. Be discerning about your interactions with others
3. Be aware that there will be tough times, but Jesus will be with you through those times.
In some cultures people are bound to totems and totems are sacred They respect totems than anything else Romans 1 ves 25 fobids please help
Like in the time of Jeremiah, we are being warned not to conform ourselves to the ways and customs of the heathen. "Learn not the way of the heathen, do not approve of it, no, nor think indifferently concerning it, much less imitate it or accustom yourselves to it. Let not any of their customs steal in among you (as they are apt to do insensibly) nor mingle themselves with your religion.' It is an abomination when those that are taught of God turns to learn the way of the heathen, and to think of worshipping the true God with such rites and ceremonies as they used in the worship of their false gods. See Deu. 12:29-31.
It was the way of the heathen to worship the host of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars; to them they gave divine honours, and from them they expected divine favours. So Jeremiah is talking to the people concerning these gods that they had made themselves. The vast difference. There is a God who has made man, and then there are men who make their gods, gods who are made by men. A God who carries men, and a god who must be carried by men. And the prophet finds it rather ridiculous that they have to carry their gods around. They haven't any power to get anywhere themselves. How do you worship something that you must carry around.
The true God, when he utters his voice, there is a multitude of water in the heavens, and he causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he makes lightnings with rain, and brings forth the wind out of his treasures. Every man is brutish in his knowledge (Jer 10:13-14).
Man is that ignorant that keeps being proud but is wretched and poor(Revelation 3:17).
In our region it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt the leaders are more corrupt than the members they lead. You will hear people argue tha do not call a pastor or elder to order or you will doing wrong to touch God's annointed. Ezekiel is also saying where are the priests when the sheep scatter. I think we need to pray for our leaders a lot.
Thanks, Shirley and all of you,you've said all.
Sometimes we often worship some forms of idols without realising it. Ellen.G.White states that money is a gift from God and we should not have pride over it. However, we should use it to clothe and feed the poor.
God forecast that Israel of the flesh would convert His ornaments, jewels, and clothes that He had given them into idols and images; that they would slaughter His children sacrificing them to the idols.(Ezk 7:20-26; 16:15-22; 23:36-45; 20:21-26; 5:11; Jer 7:8-15,30,31; 16:18; 32:31-35; Isa 66:3,4) That was a stark and precise prophecy of the consummate ABOMINATION committed by Israel against the Son of God! The worship of literal idols and the sacrificing of children was only a preview of their ultimate abomination perpetrated on Christ. The prominent ornaments or symbols were the Sabbath, and the Temple or Sanctuary and it’s sacrifices.
From the beginning Israel tended to revere idols, images. Moses was hardly out of sight on Sinai and they ordered up a golden calf. God was not helping them against the Philistines so they decided “Let us take to ourselves from Shiloh the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may come among us and deliver us from the power of our enemies”.(1 Sam 4:3) They were routed by the Philistines. They worshiped the brazen serpent an image, symbol, shadow of the True. Instead of trusting God they trusted the Temple, the Sanctuary - symbol of Christ (Ezk 23:13,14).
The healing at the pool of Siloam on the Sabbath brought an early encounter on the Sabbath (John 5). Jesus, the Lord of Sabbath, had command the sick to get up and pick up his bed and walk. The Jews contended that it was unlawful to carry a bed on Sabbath. They instructed Jesus, later, that it was unlawful to heal on Sabbath. Jesus contended that He was only doing the will of His Father who had given all judgment to Him and all should honor Him as they honor the Father. At the cornfield on a Sabbath again more contention. Jesus declared He was greater than the Temple and “if you had known what this means, I desire compassion(mercy) and not a sacrifice”.(Mat 12:7) There Jesus consigns the Sabbath to a shadow or image of the True. He is the true Sabbath of promise. He is the true Temple in whom they would find sanctuary (Isa 8:14) and rest.
“For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but was calling God His own Father, making himself equal with God”.(John 5:18) They had chosen the image or symbolic sabbath over the True Sabbath. “I spoke, but they did not listen, and they did evil in my sight and chose that in which I did not delight (sacrifice)”.(Isa 66:3,4)
Jesus said destroy this Temple referring to Himself. “In Him dwells all the fullness of Godhead bodily”.(Col 2 :9) He was presented before Pilate as one who would destroy the symbolic temple and therefore should be executed. They had chosen the symbol over the True. Their refrain had always been “the temple, the temple, the temple”. “You did not hear, and I called you but did not answer, therefore I will do to the HOUSE which is called by My Name, IN WHICH YOU TRUST... as I did to Shiloh.(Jer 7:8-15)
He cleared the Temple of worshippers and their sacrifices twice. The promised Messiah King-Priest and Lamb had come, what would be the present value and purpose of the symbols and shadows in the presence of the Reality. John Baptist had pointed them to the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. The lamb on Moriah representing the only begotten Son of God, the Messiah. They killed Him because He claimed to be the Son of God. He couldn’t lie. They chose to continue sacrificing lambs and goats and bulls instead. They chose Moses the shadow Messiah and prophet instead: “Moses we know, but this One we don’t know where He is from. We are Moses disciples”.(Jhn 9:28,29) They claimed that Jesus was trying to get rid of Moses. He was fulfilling Moses.
Finally they “SACRIFICED” JESUS in order to save their Holy Place and the nation and their Sabbath. (John 11:48-53) They passed Him through the fire (Heb 13:11-14), a sacrifice to their IDOLS - Sabbath, sacrifices, feasts, temple, Moses.
There symbols and types had become ABOMINATIONS - OFFERINGS, INCENSE, SABBATHS, NEW MOONS, FEASTS.(Isa 1:10-14)
Alot of us are idolwhorshipping these days without even realizing because we have adapted the earthly patten on what is more important eg, education, marriage and what not. However innocent or good it may look but anything that we are treasuring and taking much of our time is our god...and our Father does not take this lightly thats why he constantly warned us in the bible. We need to involve God in everything we do with our God so that our relationship with him grows stronger. Constant bible reading and prayer will draw us more closer to Him. In what ever we do the presence of our bond with God should be revealed. Just like christ our saviour relied on our Heavely father in everything so should we.only through him we can learn about love that is pure. Amen
10 But the Lord is the true God;
He is mthe living God and the neverlasting King.
At His wrath the earth will tremble,
And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.
He is God and wisdom is who I serve these false God will all die and the word of the lord is forever,.
What are some things that, if we are not careful, we come to trust more than we should?
1). Work, Career, Investment;
2). Relationships; Spouse, children, relatives, society.
So it is always to keep check of these things that they do not take top priority to relegate God's call and purpose for you in their lives and material blessings He has endowed you with by giving you the strength,good health and longevity to acquire it. I am not saying that they are irrelevant but they should be taken in its proper perspective according to God's will and purpose for their common good as well and I am not proposing we don't take care of them but to keep them in check with God's will and purpose in life and that requires fervent prayers from us adults as we minister to the needs of our loved and precious ones.
Today we are told to depend on Our Almighty God but we depend on materialism of this world.We praise our leaders,people,children,riches rather than praising Our GOD.That is one way of worshiping idols.We are warned to change our ways of living or else we face the anger of the Lord.