Idols
In 1 Samuel 5, there’s a great story about when the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant. They leave it overnight in the temple of their god, Dagon. The next morning, the statue of Dagon is lying face down before the Ark of the Lord. They pick him back up and leave him another night. The next morning, not only is the statue lying in a similar position before the Ark, but his head and hands are cut off and lying on the temple's threshold. I’d like to think that at this point, I would understand Dagon’s place before the true God, but, amazingly, their priests don’t. They send the Ark to another location and simply decide not to step on the threshold where Dagon’s extremities are left.
Those are the kinds of idols I’m used to thinking about. When I think of idols, the first thought that comes to mind is usually something like the opening scene of “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” when Indiana Jones tries to replace the golden idol with a bag of sand. Other times, I’ll think of great statues with hideous features that evoke dread. What I tend not to think of, however, is my own desire for things that violate God’s law.
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a person is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Ephesians 5:3-5, NIV
Note what Paul says: when our lives are characterized by immorality, impurity or greed, we are idolaters. We’ve put something else on God’s throne and sooner or later (as Johnny Cash sings), God’ll cut ’em down.
As you pray today, ask God to show you areas in your life where you may be serving something else rather than Him. Ask that Jesus, the Light of the world, would reign in your heart.
The Collect for Epiphany
O God, by the leading of a star, you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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