Saturday 3/26/22

We read Isaiah 44:14-20 yesterday, but let’s read it again today to do some more reflecting.

One of the themes of this week has been “who or what do I worship?” And Isaiah 44 is a picture of the subtle sway of our idols. Read vs. 14-15: is there any practical thing in my life that is useful (like the wood from the trees in the passage), but it is a temptation to make it into an idol?

Read vs. 16-17. Is there anything or anyone that I turn to first when facing a crisis (save me! You are my god!), before coming to the Lord?

Read v. 18. Do I ever feel like your “eyes are plastered over” so I cannot see God working in your life?

v. 19 says “No one stops to think.” When am I most likely to be thoughtless, letting the urgent worries of life dictate my schedule rather than intentionally walking with God?

In the year 2022, it’s hard not to read the last line of v. 20 as referring to our phones and electronic devices. “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?”

After reflecting on these questions, consider reading the passage again slowly. Ask the Lord to reveal where the subtle allure of idols might be tempting me.

Tools can become idols when they captivate our minds and hearts. Lord, protect your people from idolatry, and where we discover it and name it, in the name of Jesus Christ, give us the strength to repent and return to you, our Lord. Amen.