Bible Readings and Devotion for December 9, 2020
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Devotion for December 9, 2020
By Pastor David Tinker
Remember, a god is the one or the thing in which we place ultimate trust. As followers of Jesus we look to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as witnessed to in Holy Scripture, as our greatest good. We understand that there is nothing and no one above or greater in all the universe than our God. We believe and teach that there is no true god except this one God.
Throughout time people have placed their trust in many and various things besides the one true God. This could include a specific other god as worshipped in their culture. Other people put their trust in things, wealth, and power. Others trust their own personal philosophy of life, even a godless philosophy. Our minds and spiritual hearts put all sorts of things in the place of the one true God which are not worthy of ultimate trust.
In our reading today from Isaiah 44 we hear about one of the problems with false idols. Inspired by the Lord, the prophet presented a reflection about the absurdity of the idols which people of his day were creating. We see this presented in verses 9-20 of chapter 44. His argument is that it is ridiculous that people are carving a god out of the same tree wood which they would use as firewood for cooking a meal.
The problem of false idols and how these idols lead one astray is noted by St. Paul in Romans 1:22-25. Of special note is verse 25, “…they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” Over time, people have chosen to worship created, living things. They have even sometimes worshipped themselves in a sense. They put their ideas ahead of God’s ideas. They push the Lord out of their decision-making process, and thus trust in themselves rather than the one true God.
Ponder this: What are some ways you have looked to something other than God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as that in which you place your greatest trust? What are some things, animals, or philosophies which have become idols for you? Today, with God’s help, we can reset our lives and put our ultimate trust in our God who created all that is and who loves us beyond measure.
Prayer
A Prayer of Martin Luther
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church 