Idol Faith

The great sin of ancient Israel was idolatry. From the Golden Calf to the Asherah Poles, they placed their faith in things created instead of the Creator. Not always, however, did they bow down before something carved or overlaid in gold, sometimes their idolatry was focused on themselves or in an alliance. 

Idolatry does not always include a classic graven image.  Idolatry occurs anytime man puts faith in the created over the Creator. The created may be something fashioned by hand or something already fashioned like the sun or a tree or an army or money or one's self. 

Israel, so often turned to false gods and false friends and a false sense of power. Wherever and whenever they turned apart from Yahweh for help or prosperity, it was idolatry and would lead to their demise: "This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from The Lord" (Jer 17:5).

It is so foolish to turn away from the God of all Creation and toward part off His creation for help for God alone has the power to determine future outcomes. And when we trust in Him, our ultimate future is secure: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jer 17:7-8).

Where do turn first when trouble comes?  In what do you place your hopes for the future?  Is God the Source of your hope or are you depending on your own ability or the ability of others to secure your future?  Our money is imprinted with "In God We Trust."  But is it God or is it money we place our trust in?  In what or whom do you trust?  Jus' Askn.