Let us begin by asking the question; what is idolatry? Merriam-Webster online defines it as: 1 the worship of a physical object as a god, or immoderate attachment or devotion to something. The first definition is what most individuals think of in regards to idolatry.
Stone, wood, brass, and golden statues comes to mind. However, it is the second definition that is more appropriate for a Christian to understand. It is the word "something" that is the key to the definition of idolatry. Anything you put before God is idolatry and is sin. The first two Commandments state: Mimi shall have o other gods before me.You shall not make yourself an image in the form of anything.
.. You shall not bow down to them or worship them (Exodus 20:3-5 NIB). The idols of today are too numerous to count. Many people today place more emphasis on sports, possessions, money, television, and electronics, than taking care of their own souls.
Joana warns us of what will come to those who worship idols. He says, "Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them Noah 2:8 NIB). Society today do not understand that they will be more content and have far ore riches is they place themselves in the hands of God.Isaiah tells us what will become of the lost and saved. He states, "When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry all of them off; a mere breath will blow them away. But however takes refuge in me will inherit the land and possess my holy mountain" (Isaiah 57:13).
Simply put, we should not take anything we have for granted. It takes a conscious effort; however, all we need to do is place God first in our hearts and thank Him for everything we have, every single day. Social injustice is what led Israel into demise and captivity.It was God's Judgment for their sins of not being socially Just according to Mosaic Law.
Ezekiel gives an excellent account of God's Judgment of those of wealth and greed: "Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Stood: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it" (Ezekiel 16:49-50). According to ten Law AT Moses, ten wealthy were to take special care AT tense less ordinate. There were numerous traditions, throughout the Old Testament, that Israel was to accomplish.
Nevertheless, they failed miserably and paid the price of God's Justice. In today's technological world and all of its communication devices, it seems that we are falling further apart instead of coming closer together. People today will text a friend they see enter a room instead of getting up and walking over to them. People fall in love over the internet without truly meeting or getting to know one another.
Society has become anonymous. We think we know what is going on by eating whatever someone may write on an internet blob. We lack face time with others. This is the same problem Israel had.We all lack face time with God. The more time we spend together, the better we get to know them.
This is where we lose sight of God today. People spend more time looking at their phones and not their Bibles. Mica tells us best what to do; "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act Justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Mica 6:8 NIB). It is up to us to make the choice of following God or being held captive to the worldly ways of sin.
From the fall of Adam and Eve, God knew that man could not resist the temptations of sin.The Lord gave instructions to Moses for religious rituals to take place during specific times and for specific reasons. God was giving man the opportunity to prove himself obedient in His laws by performing these rituals of sacrifice and offerings. However, man continued to sin and be subject to God's judgment. Our almighty God was preparing the way for His Son to becoming the all- atoning sacrifice for humanity. Not all the blood that was spilt in the sacrifices and offerings that were presented by man could ever erase their sins.
Hoses stated it best, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hoses 6:6). God wants our total trust and devotion to be place in Him, not sacrifices. By accepting His Son Jesus as our Savior, God the Father promises to take care of us. For everything we give to Him, He will multiply it greatly and return it to us.
"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:3-4).
