SOAP 03/28/2015; Deuteronomy 27:15

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 27

S) “’¹⁵ Cursed is the man who makes an idol or molten image, an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen’”

Deuteronomy 27:15 (NASB)

O) The people were very close to the Promised Land, here. Moses is giving them last-minute reminders about how they are to live, according to the laws that have been spoken. In this chapter, he listed 12 curses for various behaviors, and the first among them was the verse above. Everything stems from idolatry. In this instance, Moses is mentioning physical idols, the work of craftsmen, molten images. But, it’s important to remember that an idol is anything we try to use to replace the Lord our GOD. That can be money, other people or relationships (family, marriage, etc.), it can be work, videogames, anything. The most noteworthy word in the entire verse above, though, might be the word, “secret.” It could even be said that, although Moses was talking about tangible idols, the secret nature of them might even translate better to the idols we see in our culture today.

A) Secrets are very destructive. The most damaging secrets, are secret sins. The most fatal of them, is secret idolatry. Many, many things can become idols in the hearts of people. I have, myself, struggled with various things becoming idols to me. The very first step in tearing down these idols, is and always will be, to expose them for what they are. Satan will always try to isolate me, in order to keep me enamored with a sin, especially an idol in my heart. The very fastest, most effective destruction of that idol, is to expose it to the Truth of God’s words, and the light of Jesus. Then, through confession and prayer (see James 5:16), I can find healing. In submission to God (i.e., submitted to Him alone, faithfully, without idolatry), I have the strength to resist any temptation (see James 4:7).

P) Father, You alone are worthy of praise. You alone are worthy of my worship. I have been secretly idolatrous. Please forgive me, God. Help me to seek (and find) brothers who will help me tear down the secret idols I have erected in my heart. Open my eyes and ears, to know Your voice alone, to know where in my heart I have erected idols. I want You alone to be glorified in my heart, Lord. Let Your will be done in my life. Sow Your words deep in my heart, bind them in my heart, that I may not sin against You, just as the Psalmist wrote. Let Your will be done in my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.