Bible Reading
- Isaiah 44
- Psalm 104
Devotional Thoughts
How many shades of green are there? What would the scenery around us look like if everything was the same color? God created colors for one purpose, so we may see them, enjoy them, but ultimately praise him for giving them to us to enjoy.
Psalm 104:14 reminds us that it is God who causes the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth.
But, instead of producing thankfulness and worship to God, we worship the creation instead of the creator.
Isaiah 44:9-20 is almost comical if it wasn’t so true. God shows just how absurd it is to worship an idol. You cut down a tree, and half of it you use to cook your dinner and keep you warm, and the other half you carve into an image and say, “This is my God, the one who fashioned me!” How absurd is that?
In contrast, Isaiah reminds us, “I am the one who formed you!” (Is 44:21) In fact, “I am the Lord who made ALL THINGS! I alone stretched out the heavens! I alone spread out the earth! (Is 44:24) There is no other God besides me!” (Is 44:8)
While Isaiah makes the point that it’s absurd to take a tree and use part of it for cooking and heat, and the other half to form a god, David reminds us that, not only is God the one who formed us (Is 44:21), but God is the one who formed all the trees, and they are all completely dependent on him for water and sun and nutrients to make them grow. (Ps 104:14, 27-28) So, that leaves only one person that is deserving of our worship!
As David reflects on these things he says, “May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works… May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.” (Ps 104:31, 34)
What do I make an idol of in my life? Anything that I become upset about, or frustrated with. Anything that distracts me from doing what God has asked me to do. Anything that make more important to me (valued by my time, energy, money, or thoughts) than focusing on God.
What is your list?
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