01/06/2023
When we go through the motions of “playing church”, and yet bring idols into ourselves, the temples of the Spirit, or sit in the pews and challenge God regarding His Word and its truth, then who are we? When we are proud, and our position within the church body becomes a god to us, or the time we spend shouting prayers from the street corner becomes the measure by which we judge others, then who are we? And, when our tithe becomes a threat to Lord our power over others, or hold the righteous who are the true believers, ransom with, then where is the virtue in our faith? If this convicts us today, does it lead us to prostrate ourselves before God and repent?
““Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.”
Ezekiel 14:6 ESV
As we look into our hearts do we find that it is the idols rather than Jesus Christ who define us? Do we want to be first in the kingdom or does our meek nature allow us to satisfy ourselves with being last? Do we want desperately to be the greatest of God’s governors or are we humble enough to be the least in the kingdom? Is the intent of our faith to argue a case for our own righteousness before the throne or is it to humble ourselves there in loving adoration of God, and to shower mercy over those that the world calls the least among its citizens?
““Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.”
Ezekiel 14:6 ESV
Even when we are serving humbly we can find ourselves in the company of a false god, or carrying an idol. We must be careful of the motive for our humility. We can find ourselves judging the humble nature of others in an effort to become the most humble. Sometimes we read in scripture that humbling ourselves will earn us a reward from God and that He will exalt us so we are tempted to act out the part rather than let ourselves be least out of love.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
James 4:10 ESV
So, do we have idols in our lives, even in our lives of faith, and do we view our association with one another and the church through their cold and lifeless eyes that we have made for ourselves? Have we become blinded by our association with the idols of the world, and their false gods?
We travel a narrow road my friends, and cross over many gorges via narrow bridges. Then, when at last we feel that we have done well and are about to enter the kingdom of God, we find that we face yet one more obstacle, and that is the narrow gate, the eye of the needle that would lead us in to Him. Sometimes we fear that we have become like the young rich man and what has been asked of us is too difficult… it is a road too narrow, a bridge too far, or a gate that we find ourselves unable to enter, but with God who meets us at this narrow gate, all things are possible… even banishing the false God of wealth who tempts us so much.
“For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.””
Luke 18:25-27 ESV
Cast aside the idols, and turn from the false gods… Repent today, and ask for forgiveness of God. Hold to the seed of faith that will not only move mountains but will make the last to be first, the least to be great, and the narrow to be wide.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to lift us up and guide us back onto the narrow road of faith when we have fallen aside with idols and false gods. Thank you for loving us enough to send him as our redeemer, even though He had to be born, suffer, die, and be resurrected to accomplish what had been impossible for us to do on our own. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our one true God who straightens the road before us, and widens every narrow place for those who love and worship you. Praised be your name for teaching us the lessons of true humility and meekness through Jesus. Merciful are you who then sends us into the world with the gospel of Jesus, like sheep, and then guides and defends us with your rod and your staff. Wash us clean Lord in the blood of Jesus, and cleanse us of all sin... especially the sin of worshipping the false gods of men, and the graven images we have made for ourselves. Judge us worthy in Christ, and open wide the narrow gate to eternity so that we can pass through with Jesus. Seat us at your table, and feed us the manna of your Word, and give us drink from the cup of the New Covenant forevermore. Great are you our God, and greatly to be praised!
Rich Forbes