Discover His heart: He alone deserves our praise and worship
I have never been a big American Idol fan. There, I’ve said it! I realize I’ve opened myself up to much ridicule and rejection, but that’s alright. I can take it. From the limited Idol I’ve watched, I’ve mostly heard very bad singing and mindless pontificating from semi-qualified judges at best. Due to its vast popularity, I’m assuming very few share my viewpoint.
Moving past entertainment, I don’t really understand the whole idol thing in general. The worship of icons, statues or any tangible thing seems so limiting. Would something I could hold in my hand or control in any way really deserve my worship? I don’t think so. The writer of Psalm 115 didn’t get it either.
@Psalm 115
“Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.” (4-8)
The one thing these idols can do, and do very well I might add, is collect dust. But idols come in many different shapes, from long sought-after objects to individuals who require much of our attention. The reason we’re drawn to the tangible to give our respect and devotion is due to our humanity, our desire to touch and to hold. However, any person, place or thing that we can hold or manipulate in any way disqualifies itself of receiving our worship and devotion.
Although these counterfeits scream for our attention and affection, the One who deserves our worship cannot fit in a box, on a shelf, in a room or…anywhere. “How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in Him should ponder them. Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.” (111:2-3) “He hears my voice…He bends down to listen…The Lord protects…He has saved me from death…The Lord cares deeply…” (116:1-5) “Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?” (113:5) He hears, He protects, He saves, He cares – just to mention a few of the limitless attributes of our living God.
“Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens!…Give to the Lord the glory He deserves!… Worship the Lord in all His Holy splendor.” (Psalm 96:4-9) Worship the Lord, worship the Lord alone!
Moving Forward: Let idols and counterfeits entice all they want, I will give my devotion today to the only One who is worthy – the true and living God.
Tomorrow @ Proverbs 26-27
Phyllis Benigas 