Today you should read: Deuteronomy 13:1-18
In this chapter we see three specific threats of idolatry for the Israelites and us (v. 1-5, 6-11, 12-18).
- The first person or group of people who can lead us to worship false idols are coming in the name of religion or another divine authority outside of Scripture and the one, true God. We see this today in cults, other religions and any group that proclaims to be Christian but adds to, or takes away from, the finished and fulfilled Scripture.
- The second person or group of people is one’s own family. As important as family is, we also know that the God given influence they are supposed to have can be used for evil and idolatry as well. I’ve seen many spouses, children, parents and siblings walk away from their faith because of the influence of a family member.
- The last person or group of people is the culture or world around them. This can be anything from media to politics to work/school environments to friend groups.
We also see severe consequences to the above idolatry, and although we’re different than Israel was with capital punishment attached to such sins, we know that our consequences are just as severe with God.
May today’s devotion be a warning for us all to reflect on who rules and reigns in our hearts and lives. May we check what we cherish the most, spend the most time doing, thinking about, talking about and living for. Let us evaluate what we love the most and get upset about the most to see what creeping idols may be developing in our hearts and let us cast them to the ground, making Jesus our one and only Hope, the only one worthy of such worship.
By: Erik Koliser — West Campus Pastor
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