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Idols – Day 8

Psalms 115:4-8

But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

The Thought

These verses are obviously talking about statues. The last line sounds like a curse on those who, as their daily work, make idols to sell as well as to all who trust in them.

In France where I live, there are hundreds of statues of Jesus on the cross, and also many of His mother, the virgin Mary, as well as other “saints”. They are on street corners, in private gardens, at the corner of fields, town squares, and of course in the churches. How many people notice them or read their inscriptions? How many people pray to them?

A few years ago I saw an inscription under a statue of Jesus on the cross which read “In recognition of my healing“. We can imagine that there had been a miracle there, and that the person who had ordered that particular statue wanted others to know what Jesus had done for them. It was a form of evangelisation!

Many towns and cities all across the world have statues of people who have done exceptional service to the community, and the statues mark their contribution to society. The emphasis in the verse today is that a statue can become an idol and draw our worship away from Father God.

We must all beware of that danger!

Action

Wherever you go today, take note of any statues you see, in churchyards, cemeteries, public or private gardens, read the inscriptions, and try to understand why they are there.

Read Psalm 115 and note that it begins and ends with a focus on the Lord God in Heaven. Talk to Him throughout your day.

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