Jeremiah 10 -- Idolatry Was In Their Hearts

"Idolatry was in their hearts," my commentary said.  Jeremiah was preaching his Temple Sermon which would lead the priests to want to kill him.  He said, "Lord, there is no one like You.  You are great, and Your name is great and powerful.  Everyone should respect You, King of the nations; You deserve respect ... the Lord is the only true God.  He is the only living God, the King Forever ... God, who is Jacob's Portion, is not like the idols.  He made everything, and He chose Israel to be His special people.  The Lord All-Powerful is His name."

But with idolatry in their hearts, the people were as spiritually dead as their idols:  "These gods did not make heaven and earth.  They will be destroyed and disappear from heaven and earth ... People are so stupid and know so little ... The shepherds are stupid and don't ask the Lord for advice."

My commentary quoted A.W. Tozer:  "The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him."  "It means worshiping and serving the creature rather than the Creator, the gifts rather than the Giver.  The idols were senseless, and so were the people, because we become like the god we worship ... whatever we worship and serve other than the true and living God is an idol, whether it's an expensive house or car, the latest stereo equipment, a boat, a library, a girlfriend or boyfriend, our children, a career, or a bank account.  That on which I center my attention and affection and for which I am willing to sacrifice is my god, and if it isn't Jesus Christ, then it's an idol."

"The remedy for idolatry is for us to get caught up in the majesty and grandeur of God, the true God, the living God, the everlasting King.  An idol is a substitute, and you would never want a substitute once you have experienced the love and power of the Lord God Almighty."

Father, make me ever aware when You find me centering my attention and affection on anyone or anything other than You.  Call me out if You find me willing to sacrifice to anyone or anything but You.  No substitute will ever do.  I trust You, God!

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Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford