pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: idols


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False Gods and Idols

Reading: Exodus 32:1-10

Exodus 32:7 – “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!”

Photo credit: Ricardo Gomez Angel

In our Old Testament reading today and tomorrow, Moses is up on the mountain receiving instructions from God. Starting in chapter 25, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the tabernacle and for observing the Sabbath. Moses has been with God for forty days. So at the start of chapter 32 the people come to Aaron, unsure about ever seeing Moses again, and ask Aaron to make them a “god.” The one left in charge gives in to the crowd and forms a golden calf. Two of the popular deities in Egypt were represented by a bull. Aaron does try to turn their focus to God by holding a festival to the Lord. But in the end, the people worship the golden idol. With their only connection to the one true God gone forever, the people turn to a false idol – one they can see and touch and can shape or manipulate with their own hands.

God sees what is happening and says to Moses, “Hurry up and go down! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, are ruining everything!” God’s plan is harsh. We find a hint as God calls them “your people.” With these words, God is rhetorically rejecting Israel. God’s plan is to allow the fury to burn and to devour these stubborn and faithless people. Then God will start all over with Moses!

I wonder if God ever feels this way in our day. I wonder if God ever looks down at our way of living and feels anger rising up inside. Do the false gods and idols that we chase after when we’ve lost our connection to God make God feel like “devouring” us? In these moments I remember that, like Israel in the wilderness, we are still a work in progress. We are yet becoming who God created us to be. In tomorrow’s reading, Moses will intercede for the people. For you, for me, for our world today – we too have an intercessor. The risen Christ stands between us and God, interceding on our behalf. Jesus walked among us. He understands our struggles and temptations. Thank you, Jesus.

Prayer: Lord God, when we drift and our connection with you feels lost, the things of this world seem brighter, shinier, more attractive. In these early moments, when we’re looking towards other “gods,” draw us back to you. Whisper in our hearts, reminding us of your love. May this be what captures our attention, our focus, our worship. Amen.


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“I Am the Lord”

Reading: Exodus 20:1-4

Exodus 20:3 – “You must have no other gods before me.”

Photo credit: Paul Pastourmatzis

For the first three days this week, we will work through the Ten Commandments. While very well-known, these commands are foundational to faithful living. In the story of God’s people, they arrive at Mount Sinai and set up camp. Up on the mountain there is thunder and lightning and a great cloud. God is present. Moses goes up the mountain to hear from God. In today’s verses we read the first two commandments.

Moses’ encounter with God begins with this declaration: “I am the Lord your God.” This statement is followed by two commands that focus on living into this declaration. The first is this: “You must have no other gods before me.” Command two is like an addendum: “Do not make an idol for yourselves.” In our day, when we think of “gods” as imaginary beings in the sky, these ideas seem almost silly. But for the Israelites, living in a time when all the other nations worshipped many different gods, these commands set Israel apart – radically and completely. But Israel would long struggle with the worship of false gods. Again and again they sought to be like those around them and to fit in rather than to stand out or be set apart for God.

This is precisely where these commands hit home today. While far from the gods of Moses’ day, we can treat status, beauty, wealth, popularity, and such like a god that we worship, love, and trust. And while not carved from stone or wood, we can place possessions and titles and other things of this world on the throne of our hearts. It is not difficult to find “gods” to chase after, to prioritize, to hoard, and even to worship. Yes, we too need to be frequently reminded: “I am the Lord your God.” O Lord, may it be so day by day.

Prayer: Lord God, we know the charge is to set our minds on Christ, to focus daily on imitating Christ with our lives. Yet we can turn from this time together, opening an app or turning on the television, and temptation is right there. The call of the world and the allure of its ways are ever before us. O Lord, strengthen and encourage us. Be present within us. Lead and guide us to walk faithfully with you. Amen.


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Redeeming the Lost

Reading: Romans 11:1-2

Romans 11:1a – “So I ask you, has God rejected his people?”

Photo credit: Mitchel Lensink

As we begin two days in Romans 11, we begin with the first two verses. These verses continue Paul’s argument against salvation through the Law. Instead, Paul sees grace as the saving agent. In our two verses today, Paul touches on when God’s people (or us) are not faithful to God. Verse 1 begins, “So I ask you, has God rejected his people?” When I first read this verse, to be honest, my mind said, “Maybe.” I thought of the policies and things done today by those claiming to be Christian, and thought, surely God is at least deeply grieved by this. But upon more reflection, I realized that this has been going on since the actual time of Jesus. In his day it was the Pharisees who used the Law for their own purposes. Later it was those who led and funded the Crusades. There have always been folks who have used “faith” as a weapon.

Paul’s response to his opening question is this: “Absolutely not!” God always remains faithful. Paul offers himself as proof. He is an Israelite through and through – and he loves and follows Jesus. Paul invites us to remember Elijah. He felt like he was the only faithful person left. But the faithful were actually down to a small fragment – 7,000 who had not turned to idols. Through the faithful, God redeemed the lost. God continues to do so today. You and I – we are living examples. Through our sin and failures, God has not rejected us once. Through grace we are redeemed again and again. Like the story of Elijah and God’s faithfulness, our story of grace and redemption has power. Our story can change lives. Who do you know that needs to hear the story of how Jesus changed your life?

Prayer: Lord God, today many worship idols. They aren’t carved of stone or wood but are found in the mirror, parked in driveways, stashed in bank accounts, put forth in social media. These folks are as lost as most in Elijah’s day. So, Lord, use us to turn people to you – some back to you, many encountering you for the first time. Fill our stories with a Holy Spirit power – with the power to change lives. Amen.


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Willing Participants

Reading: Isaiah 65:17-19

Isaiah 65:18b – “I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness.”

As we turn to Isaiah 65 today and tomorrow we turn to a new period in Israel’s history. It is now post-exile. The people of God have returned to Jerusalem, and like in much of Israel, there is hard work to be done. Almost everything must be rebuilt, replanted, or remade. Before much progress is made, the people have turned away again, allowing greed and the worship of idols to take over their doing and being. Isaiah speaks into this reality. But instead of harsh words or condemnation, he speaks words of hope that give an invitation into God’s preferred future.

God is planning to create something new – “a new heaven and a new earth.” God invites the people of God into this new creation, into a time of hope. The things of the past – the sins and bad memories – they will be no more. God declares, “I’m creating Jerusalem as a joy and her people as a source of gladness.” In this new creation God will find joy and gladness too as the Israelites once again become the people of God. In contrast to much of Israel’s recent past, there will be no weeping or crying in this new heaven and earth.

While God is eager to create anew, Israel still must choose to be a willing participant. As God continues to desire to transform this world and our lives into something new, we too must be willing participants. If this is our desire, then we must first be aware of how and when and where God is at work. Once aware we must then choose to willingly enter into that work, whether in the world or within ourselves. May we be willing participants in God’s transformation projects.

Prayer: Lord God, you are ever at work seeking to make our world and your people more loving, more gracious, more just. Open our eyes and hearts to this work, encouraging us by your Spirit to be your voice and your hands and feet in the creation of a new heaven and earth in this time and place. Amen.


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Redemption

Reading: Hosea 1-5

Hosea 2:19 – “I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in devoted love, and in mercy.”

Hosea begins our journey through “The Twelve.” He ministered to Israel during a time of prosperity and expansion. Because times were good, Israel had a very superficial relationship with God. They worshipped idols and relied totally on themselves. These forms of idolatry are denounced as “prostitution” by Hosea. In Hosea’s words we also find hope. Ultimately, and above all else, God seeks to redeem Israel from its sin, bringing both creation and God’s people back into a covenant relationship.

As the book begins, God commands Hosea to marry a prostitute. This relationship and the emotions it generates mirror God’s relationship with Israel. Hosea and Gomer have children. Their names tell the story of Israel’s coming downfall. God will punish Israel. God will have no compassion. God will not be their God. And in the next verse God says, after all that, “Not my people” will be called “Children of the living God.” Redemption and restoration will come.

In chapters 2, 4, and 5, God lays out the charges against Israel. God charges them with giving all that God provided to Baal and other idols. But even so God will one day redeem them. In verse 19 we read, “I will take you for my wife forever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in devoted love, and in mercy.” Then in chapter 4 God condemns the priests. The people have no knowledge of God. Instead, the people “take advice from a piece of wood.” God declares that the “spirit of prostitution” is in them. They are addicted to these evil behaviors.

In chapter 3 God directs Hosea to “make love” to Gomer again, even though she is lost in prostitution, just like Israel. Hosea finds her and brings her back home – he redeems her from her lovers – and has her stay with him for a long time without sex. This mirrors Israel’s long time in exile without the temple, without sacrifices, without priests. This time apart will lead Israel to seek the Lord. They will then reenter into God’s goodness.

Prayer: Lord God, you have chosen us. You form us in the womb and you laid out good plans for our lives. You seek to walk with us in Spirit, offering to lead and guide us. One might think we’d be perfect disciples. Yet that’s far from what we are. Like Israel, we wander. We worship other “gods.” We mistreat one another and your creation. And… you remain faithful, loving, forgiving. You are unconditional in your commitment to our relationship. O Lord, help us to be faithful. Amen.


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Charges and Judgments

Reading: Ezekiel 22-26

Ezekiel 22:30 – “I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land… But I couldn’t find anyone.”

Photo credit: Jametlene Reskp

We begin with chapter 22, where God brings charges against Jerusalem and then closes with a lament, revealing the heart of God. The charges are a summary of how Judah broke each of the Ten Commandments. God will scatter them and refine them like silver in the process. The chapter ends with this lament: “I looked for anyone to repair the wall and stand in the gap for me on behalf of the land… But I couldn’t find anyone.”

Chapter 23 contains an allegory of two sisters. It is the story of Israel and Judah, God’s people who prostituted themselves with multiple foreign powers and their idols, one after the other. The younger sister, Judah, proceeded to outdo the older sister, Israel. Instead of learning from her sister’s wayward ways, she amplified them. God turned both sisters lovers against them, pouring out God’s wrath upon them.

There are two parts to chapter 24. In the first part Judah is compared to a corroded pot. It will be heated so hot that its corrosion will be consumed. Judah will not be cleansed until God’s wrath has fully burned. In the second part, Ezekiel’s wife dies as a part of a sign act. God directs him not to mourn in any way. He follows instructions. So thorough will be Judah’s defeat that they too will walk around in stunned silence, unable to even grieve.

Chapters 25 and 26 contain oracles or judgments about Judah’s neighbors: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre. Ammon and Moab took great delight in Judah’s downfall. Edom joyfully took part in Jerusalem’s destruction. The Philistines exacted revenge for past defeats and losses. All but Edom “will know that I am the Lord.” Our reading closes with the judgment of Tyre. They too ridiculed Judah (and God) at her downfall. The people around Tyre will shudder in terror at what befalls Tyre, who will “disappear” as God leads them “down into the pit.” Such will be the fate of all who oppose the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, our innate selfishness is on full display today. We continue to struggle with want and greed, with lust and desires, with idolatry and disobedience. We are not all that different than Oholah and Oholibah, than Moab or Philistia. We too deserve your wrath. We too should be refined like silver. Instead, you brought grace in the form of your son. Today, Lord God, we thank you that we stand on this side of the cross, where love was poured out instead of wrath. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.


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Nevertheless

Reading: Ezekiel 12-16

Ezekiel 14:6 – “The LORD God proclaims: Come back! Turn away from your idols and from all your detestable practices. Turn away!”

Our reading begins with Ezekiel modeling the exile in a sign act. With people watching, he packs a bag and tunnels through the wall. Bag in tow, he heads out into the dark. Exile is coming. A few will survive to tell of their detestable practices. God then instructs Ezekiel to eat while trembling, to drink anxiously. During the siege, this will be Judah’s reality.

Some people question God’s timing. God says there will be no delay. The foolish prophets who proclaim peace and that God will be their wall – their lies will be exposed. The prophetesses who are misleading and entrapping people – God will rescue their victims. The focus then turns to those who are worshipping idols. God declares that if they come to God or to Ezekiel for prayers or for guidance, God will send them back to their idols. Yet God longs for Judah to repent. God says, The LORD God proclaims: Come back! Turn away from your idols and from all your detestable practices. Turn away!”

Noah, Daniel, and Job figuratively enter the story in chapter 14. They alone would be saved if wild animals or war or plague or famine were sent by God. These icons of the faith and virtue couldn’t even save their sons or daughters. They could save only themselves. God declares that all four tragedies are coming. Few will survive. Jerusalem is then compared to a vine. It is useful only for burning.

Chapter 16 details Jerusalem’s “detestable practices.” God recalls saving her when she was abandoned and naked. God fed and clothed and cared for her. She grew up and became very beautiful. She then prostituted herself with “all comers” – Egypt then Assyria then Babylon. Jerusalem was worse than Samaria and Sodom – so detestable that they looked righteous by comparison. Yet, in verse 60, we read, “Nevertheless…” God will one day reestablish the covenant. God will forgive their sins. Judah will then know that the Lord is God.

Prayer: Lord God, it was important for Judah to let go of false hope and to hear a call to repentance. It is important for us to be reminded that you are the only hope – our only hope, the only giver of mercy. We too will face judgment. Lead us to walk in covenant relationship with you, O Lord. Amen.


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A Sad Saga – Then and Now

Reading: Jeremiah 1-4

Jeremiah 3:11 – “Then the LORD said to me: Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Jeremiah begins with context. He ministered to Judah in the years that led up to the exile. The prophet has been claimed since the womb. Even so he tried to evade the call: I’m too young. God says, no, you’ll go where I send you and you’ll say what I tell you. And, don’t be afraid. Prepare for battle, but don’t fear, I’ll be with you. Judah’s sins are laid out. They’ve abandoned God, they worship idols, they think they can save themselves.

In chapter 2 God longs for what could have been. Israel followed God in the wilderness and entered the land of plenty. But they turned away, rebelled, chose Baal over God. Israel forsook the living water and dug wells for themselves – ones that failed, ones that couldn’t hold water. And even though they became skilled at sinning and even though their clothes were stained with the blood of the poor, they still claimed innocence before God.

In response God declared that the prostitute could not return to God. That would be illegal. Jeremiah invites Judah to look at Israel. Her sins led her into exile. Israel has ignored God and received “divorce papers.” Even with this warning and Israel’s example, Judah continued to walk in sin. God declared, “Unfaithful Israel is less guilty than disloyal Judah.”

In chapter 4 God offers mercy to Israel, inviting them to return, to get rid of their idols, to choose truth, justice, and righteousness. God invites Judah to break up the rocky soil of their hard hearts, to dedicate themselves to the Lord. They too refuse. Jeremiah then foresees the coming devastation, recalling the state of earth before the creation. The earth will grieve and heaven will grow dark with sadness. But God won’t change the plan. Desolation is coming. And even then, even with this news, Judah still gets all decked out, looking for another lover, seeking to find help on their own. Sadly, this “lover” will be the one who seeks and takes their life.

Prayer: Lord God, what a sad saga we read today. What a tough road Jeremiah had to walk. What a clear choice Judah had before them. And, alas, things are the same today. We have a clear choice: life through you or death by the ways of the world. The Spirit joins your word and your son’s example. And we can still rebel, still be faithless. Lord have mercy. Lord, strengthen us for the battle. Enrich the soil of our hearts. Walk with us, O God. Amen.


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Faithful Love Forever

Readings: Psalms 131-136

‭Psalm 135:14 – “The LORD gives justice to his people and has compassion on those who serve him.”

We begin with Psalm 131, a song of humility. The psalmist isn’t proud or conceited, doesn’t stray from his or her lane. There is contentment in God’s presence. So, “Israel, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 132 speaks of why they can and should. God dwells in the temple and God made a covenant with David. The promise was to have a Davidic king on the throne forever – if they’re faithful. God’s presence provides food, salvation, and protection. The faithful one will shine.

Psalm 133 speaks of unity: “how good and pleasing it is.” Living in unity brings blessings and leads to eternal life, two gifts of God. Psalm 134 gives a pattern of response: lift your hands, bless the Lord! Praise the maker of heaven and earth! Psalms 135 and 136 develop this theme.

Psalms 135 and 136 are very similar. Both call for praising the Lord. Both recall acts that show God’s wonder, power, and might in nature and in Israel’s history. Psalm 135 reminds us that idols are “just gold and silver.” How we still need that reminder. Wealth, in whatever form we chase, is “just gold and silver.” Psalm 136 repeats the line, “God’s faithful love lasts forever,” 26 times. It is the repeated response to all that God has done and to all that God is. May it be our response as well!

Prayer: Lord God, lead us to walk humbly today with you and with all that we encounter. Guide us to live as light, as ones anointed in your love. Remind us too of all the ways that you have compassion on us, your children. And use us today to reveal your faithful love to all of creation. Amen.


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For Me. For Us. For You.

Readings: Psalms 113-118

‭Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Today’s six Psalms are known as the “Egyptian Hallelujah.” These words of praise were recited each year at the Passover meal. Psalms 113 and 114 were recited before the meal. These Psalms celebrate God’s actions on behalf of the poor and needy and on behalf of Israel during the exodus. Psalm 113 exalts the God who lifts up the poor, who raises the needy, who brings the barren woman the joy of motherhood. These words echo “Hannah’s Song” from 1st Samuel 2 where God acted on behalf of the faithful. Psalm 114 remembers the parting of the sea and river, the bringing of water from the rocks – more signs of God’s faithful love.

After eating the Passover meal, Psalms 115 through 118 would be recited. Although lost in translation, Psalms 115 and 118 were originally written and spoken as call-and-response liturgy. Psalm 115 lifts up God’s power and might, contrasting God with worthless idols who “have mouths, but they can’t speak.” God is Israel’s “strength and shield.” 115 closes with blessings to all. Psalm 116 is a celebration of an individual’s rescue, reminding Israel that God is a personal God too. Because of God’s deliverance the individual will “lift up the cup of salvation… will keep the promises” made to God. Psalm 117 lifts up God’s strong love.

The Hallelujah closes with Psalm 118. The setting is an individual coming to the temple to give thanks to God. This Psalm calls Israel, the priests, and all who honor the Lord to declare, “God’s faithful love lasts forever!” Because of their experience with this in the exodus, the psalmist writes, “The LORD is for me — I won’t be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” God was faithful. God is faithful. God will be faithful. What is to fear?

Verses 22 and 27 are often connected to Jesus – the stone rejected, the light that shined, the offering led to the new altar, the cross. These are echoes found in the ever expanding story of God’s love, reflections on the final Passover lamb.

Prayer: Lord God, today’s words celebrate your presence with your people. Just as you rescued and delivered, just as you provided and made a way, do so for us in our lives too, O God. We seek to walk in your strong and faithful love, a love that lasts forever. Thank you, Lord, for your love. Amen.