For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest
Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak
Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good
Jeremiah 10:3,5
Wrapping up some things
I’ve been thinking on from
Jeremiah Chapter 10
.
In Jeremiah’s time, the nations, the pagans, had gods. The people made images of the gods. There were sacrifices made to their gods, even children literally murdered as sacrifices. These aren’t real gods. They are constructs of the people. Aren’t these gods demonically inspired? Don’t they encourage the acts of the people under their influence, immoral and corrupt acts that oppose the GOD of Israel?
The GOD of Israel is shown to be “King of the nations” (v7). Israel’s GOD, our GOD, is the GOD of the nations. He has displayed His Glory. He did so in Egypt. When Israelis are dragged off to Babylon, even its kings will recognize GOD as the GOD of all creation.
GOD, is not just a higher GOD, as supervisor sort of GOD over the national gods. Our GOD is the only GOD. The gods of the nations are like scarecrows in a field; we need not fear them.
Our GOD tells us through Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” (v5) First, these images are not worth our fear. Fear GOD. Fear not humans and these fanciful imaginations created. Second, GOD says these objects cannot do evil. Impotent idols, powerless, in total contrast to Almighty GOD who possesses the All Power. Third, given that these objects are like a stick placed in a field covered with clothing to make it appealing, it can’t do any good.
My take away: There are many things of the world that appear dangerous and there’s a temptation to appeasement. The world also appears at one time evil and at another time quite good, even beneficial. The world and its idols are like pieces of wood destine for the fire pit.
They’ll make a great BBQ one day.
LORD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .
Jonah’s Song 