Quiet Contemplation - Day 57

1 Samuel 12:21 (NIV)

Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.

Isaiah 44:9 (NIV)

All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless.

            Words change in meaning over time. Today, we consider an idol to be someone who is an icon or hero; or perhaps, someone who is exceptionally talented in an area. We even base television shows on such individuals. However that is not the original meaning nor the Biblical sense of the word. Broadly speaking, an idol is a false god. More specifically it is the likeness of something—the  shape or form of something—something you can see, yet it has no substance, nor is it living and breathing. These man-made objects can do nothing to help you because they have no life. Both Samuel and Isaiah warned the people not to look to idols but to keep their focus on God alone.

If you have read my writings, you know I like to give a little twist now and then. Humor me as I toss a little grammar into today’s devotional. An idol is a noun. By definition, a noun can be a person, place, thing, or idea. Basically, idols represent anything that would draw our focus away from God, for there is only One LORD God Almighty.

Isaiah 44:6 (NIV)

This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.

Isaiah 45:5 (NIV)

I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.

Isaiah 45:22 (NIV)

Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God and there is no other.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we allow anything—be it person, place, thing, or idea—to turn our focus away from you. Giving priority to such things is useless because they are temporary. You alone, Lord God, are the only means for the hope of salvation. You alone, Lord God, are the only permanent answer for our lives and our nation.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!