Exodus 20:4-6 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
What constitutes an idol?
Does false worship need to involve some little figurine, maybe a statute of Buddha, or some false Hindu god that looks like an elephant? Can idolatry be masqueraded by any type of worship that resembles something other than worshipping the God of Heaven and Earth?
The warning of false worship struck at the heart of many pagan cultures. For thousands of years people have formed and fashioned figurines, necklaces, poles, and artifacts so they might have an image to worship or pray towards.
Israel didn’t take long to commit the act of treason against God’s rule and authority. While Moses was meeting with God on Mt. Horeb, the Israelites were fashioning an idol to worship.
Exodus 32:8 “They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ ”
After all that God had done, miracle after miracle that proved His divine guidance and power, and yet Israel still attributed God’s glory to an image fashioned by men.
WHY? I have asked myself this question many times; how could they be so short sighted, why would they turn away from an obvious revelation of God’s power and glory and foolishly worship a golden cow?
I believe the Bible gives us a clue as to the mentality of the idolatrous.
The Darkened Heart
When Aaron was confronted with being complicit in their sin, his reply was a judgement of sorts.
Exodus 32:22 “So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.”
When people have their minds set on being evil, it becomes clear that no demonstration of God’s glory will be enough to persuade them. Today, people will mock God by presenting a challenge for God to show Himself to them, they want more proof and yet their appetites for self fulfillment fall only on deaf ears. The gospel is enough to convince the wayward soul, many will hear and many will refuse the offer.
The heart set on evil will push through the agenda because it doesn’t want to believe anything else.
The Unrestrained Will
When people lack restraint, they lack the moral foundation to make wise decisions.
Exodus 32:22 “Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies)”
It was the priestly duty to bring correction. Aaron had failed on the job. He was to be the representation of God’s holiness and the voice of reason and yet he caved into the pressure.
How many false pastors and teachers lead people astray?
There is no shortage of prosperity gospel preachers, the money they make from their victims has increased their riches and motivated many more to follow in their footsteps. People give with the promise to be given more. Those who follow the prosperity teaching are hoping that they too can be blessed with many riches. The sin of hedonism spreads throughout our world today and many have become poor as a result.
The Stubborn Will
For many, the stubborn heart of rebellion is a practice in pride. Most idolators get very little from the practice, but the prospect of being found in error is out of the question.
Deuteronomy 9:13 “Furthermore the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘I have seen this people, and indeed they are a stiff-necked people.”
Stiff-necked people refuse to budge. They are determined to maintain their belief, even if the most convincing proof is given otherwise. Most stiff-necked people refuse to listen to reason. Once any form of argument is presented that counters their position, they turn and refuse to hear the rest of the argument.
It isn’t until their lives are devastated, and they’re on their backs in the pit of despair before they’ll even consider another way out.
Nehemiah 9:17 “They refused to obey,
And they were not mindful of Your wonders
That You did among them.
But they hardened their necks,
And in their rebellion
They appointed a leader
To return to their bondage.
But You are God,
Ready to pardon,
Gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger,
Abundant in kindness,
And did not forsake them.”
Once a people are determined to rebel, they look for someone to affirm their rebellion. There seems to be no shortage of people willing to carry the torch of false religion, wolves in sheep’s clothing leading the people into bondage. The chords of idolatry twist the mind into thinking the way is adequate for future glory. It preys upon the pride of man, it affirms the wayward heart, and gives solace to those who feel conviction.
God’s judgement will be especially severe for those who lead many astray.
2 Peter 2:1 “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”
With so many pits for people to fall into, how can anyone navigate through all of the traps that have been set?
Finding Truth
The way has been well established, the Lord has illuminated the path by His Word, and the difficult journey can be traversed when the pilgrim is strengthened through God’s abiding presence.
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
The Word has lead people for thousands of years. First spoken, then written down, and passed through successive generations of families, the path of life has no equal.
Walk in the Truth that Jesus the Redeemer has provided, then you will find new life. Choosing holiness comes first by the call of the Father, responding in faith is up to you.
U.T. 