Topic: Shun Idolatry [Friday October 20, 2017]
Text: Ezekiel 16:15-34
Key Verse: “Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them” (Ezekiel 16:17).
In many nations, nowadays, what should ordinarily count as blessings to them have become sources of trouble or suffering. Some countries, blessed with rich natural resources, have allowed this to become a curse to the point that they no longer enjoy peace and a robust economy. Earnings from the natural resources are not put to proper use. Rather, various activities that did not elevate the worship of God are enthroned; idolatry is courted; greed and wickedness are elevated to statecraft.
Often, the result is monumental crisis that has left such countries writhing in moral, social and economic decay. This was the case with Israel in the text. She used the bounty that was given to her by God as an opportunity to make trade alliances with the nations. The silver and gold that was given to her by God was used to make the idols. It was expected that when traders passed through Palestine, the Israelites would have an opportunity to talk to them about the living God.
Instead of being the international influence on other nations originally intended by God, she adopted the gods of the nations and played harlotry with them. She compromised her faithfulness to God, deteriorated morally to the point of offering her children in sacrifice to idols. Some category of believers are drifting into the world as a result of blessings that should ordinarily draw them closer to God. A good number of believers, who received God’s mercy in the area of financial blessing, appear to have forgotten. Regrettably, they embraced idolatry as a lifestyle.
They forgot that the Lord lifted them from the dungeon of poverty. Regrettably, they are subtly but progressively imbibing the lifestyle and practices of the world. Such people must retrace their steps, turn their focus on God and keep their eyes on the covenant they made to serve Him, in want and in plenty.
Thought for the day: Those who follow the way of the world, lose their rights before God.
Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 18-19
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
