Modern Idols

When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off .. .  But whoever takes refuge in me shall possess the land and inherit my holy mountain. (verse 13)

Read Isaiah 57:1-13

We find here a string of accusations against a people who have turned to idol worship and have reaped the consequences. Finally, God mocks them saying that when they cry out for help, perhaps their collection of idols will help them. But these are useless and cannot even resist being blown away by a strong wind. In contrast, whoever takes refuge in God, and not in idols, shall reside with God on his holy mountain.

Not many homes today are filled with the traditional idols to which grain and animals are sacrificed. But that does not mean we have no idols. We put our trust in so many of the trappings of our modern world that we seldom bother to call upon God for help. Whatever preoccupies our attention, whatever we put our trust in to bring us happiness – that is our god. This could be a desire for money, power, prestige, material goods, etc. If we put our trust and confidence in the possessions with which we surround ourselves, we are just as idolatrous as the ancient Israelites. And God will say to us when we call out in need: let all your gadgets and  possessions help you. But these will eventually rust or rot or break down. Only when we put our ultimate trust in God do we share in his inheritance.

Lord God, help us to turn from useless idols, whatever they may be in our lives, and put our trust in you to comfort and save us. Amen.

Devotion by Mark Worthing, in ‘Time out…food for each day’ (Australian Church Resources, 2017)

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