"Conversations" (Malachi 3:1-18)

Background

At our recent church board meeting, I used verses from Malachi chapter 3 … to open up with. I was particularly taken with verse 16.

Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name.

That day we wanted to pray, listen to God, and speak with one another about how God was leading us in this season. What came out of this conversation was the word ‘connection’ (or, we might say ‘connectedness’). How can we become better connected with God, each other and our community (so that we better address the mission of God … more people being able to know and follow Jesus)? How can we become a more ‘connected’ church??

This will require ongoing prayer, listening for God, and more conversations.

Ancient Prophecy

This passage from Malachi is a “conversation” in itself. This reflects an open communication between God and his people in Israel. Malachi was a prophet late in the Old Testament period, about 400 years before Jesus. This was right before … what has become known as the ‘period of prophetic silence’ – which lasted those 400 years before Jesus. Yet, we see, there was so much to focus on in just chapter 3, that this would keep any community following God busy … reviewing how they were conducting their lives.

The people of Israel had been able to return to their land from exile to the north, and rebuild the temple that had previously been destroyed. But, would they be able to live in God’s ways? For, there was clearly some scepticism about God’s plans for their future. And the people of this nation had failed many times before, with fear, faithlessness, and even outright rebellion … seeking alternative gods (who were of course all found to be false). This … despite God’s repeated faithfulness, and continuing loving attempts toward reconciliation. And this usually occurred when things were going well, and God was pushed out of their direct consciousness.

How misguided people can be! This is again expressed in verse 7(a) here. This usually resulted in wandering around aimlessly in barren places, or being so nationally vulnerable … that they would be militarily defeated and taken into exile by the Assyrians or the Babylonians. Yet, time and time again, God acted on their behalf as they repented and became obedient again – as verse 6 states, God cannot deny His love for all people – he cannot just watch and let them perish; but rather says, “Return to me, and I will return to you says the Lord of hosts” (v7b).

Now, back in their own territory and at peace, how long would their true commitment to God last … this time? There were already some bad signs; as we look at verses 13-15. There had been harsh words spoken against God – and this is by God’s own people. Why … one wonders! Were they NOT getting their own way? Were they NOT becoming rich enough? Were they feeling left out? Were their lives NOT trouble free enough? Were there too many challenges?

And worse, they did NOT seem to realise what they were saying, and how they were acting against God … it was like it had become normal … look at the second part of verse 13. They were in a bit of denial – they had obviously lost some perspective. [Sometimes, rather than seeing properly, we either despise or envy the rich or successful, rather than simply enjoying the blessings we already have.] People sometimes don’t recognise how they have strayed, and how far they have strayed; therefore, sadly, cannot work out how to return! This saddens God, who, fortunately, never gives up!

In this direct and frank ‘conversation’, God identified for his people, some of the implications of their behaviour. They were in effect saying that service of God was pointless (refer v 14), and, there was a lack of “profit” (or reward) from their obedience and repentance (refer v 14b). Pardon! Surely we wouldn’t ever look for “profit” or reward because of our ‘repentance’ or ‘obedience’! ‘Repentance’ is required because we have chosen the wrong path, and ‘obedience’ is required because God is the fountain of love and purpose for our lives – without which we would flounder completely!!

No wonder they were finding NO joy in serving God, when this was their attitude – an attitude of needing to gain something. Last Sunday night, at the evening fellowship, Philippians chapter 2 was quoted – “Let the same mind be in you … that was in Christ Jesus … who … did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself taking on the form of a servant” (Phil 2:5-7 abridged). True service of God comes through humility, selflessness and faith, and NEVER from expecting reward or recognition. We serve God … purely through love.

So, there were big warning signs … concerning where these people were at. We see in verse 15, that these people’s perspective had been twisted – they counted the arrogant to be happy (or maybe even blessed), and they thought that evil was winning and that those doing evil were ultimately prospering (and perhaps … therefore … they were even thinking of changing sides). A good ‘conversation’ was needed – and thankfully many did listen to God! Those of sound or improving mind, those that had a mind to revere God again … “spoke with one another” (v.16)!

Meaningful Conversations

What had they to talk about? I reckon, time and again, they needed to talk about God’s faithfulness. They needed to recall those times when God had been present for them, especially at their greatest point of need. God didn’t always bail them out, for there were lessons to be learnt, and we go on living in a broken world with much decay, disease and chaos – needing significant deep renewal. But God always was with them … if they but sought him, and turned away from any participation in evil! If they returned to him, God returned to them!! Now that’s a good ‘conversation’ piece!

And, they could also have great ‘conversations’ about God’s promises – about how God was planning to act in the future. God is totally consistent in moving forward with His Mission! God constantly seeks to find the lost, bring healing to the broken, and new hope to those who have been abandoned. And by NO coincidence, the previous verses in this very chapter outline much of God’s ongoing faithfulness.

They could have a really good ‘conversation’ around this! Words about a “messenger” who would prepare the way for a special visitation of God (v 1). We see this fulfilled by John the Baptist, and then Jesus – “the messenger of the covenant”. This will be a significant incarnation where many will be cleansed, refined and purified, and finally be able to live truly and humbly in the service of God and each other (v 2b-3). What could NOT be achieved from afar, will be achieved at close hand. As Jesus said, the Kingdom of God has come near.

Could they just imagine that this “messenger of the covenant” – the ‘Son of God’ – would turn everything around, so that evil and injustice could be addressed with wisdom, and defeated in the power of the Holy Spirit!? No longer would the hired-workers be oppressed, and no longer would the widows, orphans and aliens be abandoned (v 5)! All people would be treated as ‘neighbours’ should be.

People’s hearts would be broken by the things that break God’s heart (following Bob Pierce – founder of World Vision). Surely that’s a meaningful ‘conversation’! Can we just imagine Jesus turning everything around, injustice being defeated, and people returning to express worship to God and finding a spiritual home where they find a welcome and hospitality?!

And in verses 8 – 12 we discover the blessing that naturally and spontaneously results from bringing our “full tithe into the storehouse” (v 10), most broadly meaning – bringing all the good gifts that God has given us stewardship over … into a collective expression of worship and ministry. This, for us, in our time, means: bringing our lives, gifts, resources, and full capacities … into the combined ministry of the church … as it looks toward the needs of the local community and world. This is the reverse of holding back on God, and thus ‘robbing’ others of the Gospel message. Worth a ‘conversation’!

This is so that there will be nutritious ‘spiritual’ food in God’s house. And we then should expect that God will add His blessing, for we read, “See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing” (v 10). And this is a blessing that will be protected, will be ongoing, and will be publicly significant (v 11-12).

This must have all been impacting on these people of Malachi’s time, for we read, that indeed they embarked on a ‘conversation’ – they “spoke with one another”. “In the face of the widespread complaining against God, they sought mutual encouragement in fellowship” (NIV Study Bible notes). As we truly revere the Lord, we will also have ‘conversations’ together to discern the best ways of engaging with God’s mission into this community.

These ‘conversations’ are far from trivial … for they centre around some of the most important facets of human experience. And they don’t get stuck where we are, but move to where God wants us to be! And these ‘conversations’ become encouraging, for everyone can find their voice and participate. This is because one of the most important parts of such communication is the willingness to listen to others (just like God does with all of us).

Current Conversations

One of those things we have talked about much is our children’s program. For many years, people here prayed for a new influx of children. And here they are! We give credit to all those who have nurtured this vision and encouraged the children who have come – especially Joy and Ernie. We give credit to those families and children who have been patient for more vibrant times ahead – good on you Grace and Riley, Leah and Rhett!

We now move into a new season, with Trav coordinating an enthusiastic team of teachers and assistants. As we have further ‘conversations’ about this, we will know better how to support and pray for this ministry. So we’ll have a bit of a ‘conversation’ now.

[You can go to the youtube version at Bright Church of Christ's youtube channel to check out interview with our new JAM coordinator Travis McGregor, where I ask: tell us about your vision for JAM; and, why is teaching the children about God so important?]

Conclusion

For those who revere God, and therefore connect with others … who also revere God in the Body of Christ (the Church), through having good ‘conversations’ about matters of faith and service – the Lord takes note and listens (v 16b). God is firmly part of this ‘conversation’, and if we open our heart and minds enough, God, through the Holy Spirit, will come to lead these ‘conversations’ – we will come to experience ‘conversations’ … unimaginable previously!

What beautiful promises follow in the Malachi prophecy (v.16c-18) … for those who, in reverence for God, seek guidance, fellowship and encouragement in ‘conversation’ with others: these are ... being written in God’s book of remembrance – the Lord knows us … and we are seen as God’s “special possession” attracting mercy and grace when it counts. That’s awesome!

The last verse doesn’t mean to judge the one who doesn’t serve, as much as to note that the one who reveres and serves God will be clearly seen by their fruit, and for making a difference for good. This, knowing how God loves all His Creation, will always be in the hope that people will return to God, so that God can return to them – and have their lives turned around!

These are the sort of ‘conversations’ we need to have! Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name. Amen to that!!

"Good Character Leaves Its Mark" (Romans 12:9-21)

Introduction

Certain verses can capture your imagination in a new way. For instance, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17). We can unpack this verse a bit, including what it means to be “noble”, and the surrounding verses give us plenty of ideas. We should also consider what Paul means by saying that this ‘nobility’ should play out “in the sight of all”. We should note too, that this verse sits within a context of the existence of ‘evil’, and so, it needs to be applied in conditions that, at the very least, are other than what we would consider to be the best or most convenient.

There was obviously quite a bit at stake here in Paul’s time? Could it be any less so now!? We are well aware that we cannot repay evil nor exact revenge … we know this well. Yet, we can be easily caught up in the cultural assumption behind every second Hollywood movie as it promotes the rightness of revenge. So, how do we proactively respond to adverse conditions in redemptive ways? It is in this context, that we are to consider living in a “noble” way. Once again, when it comes to light flooding the darkness, we need to come back to the life of Jesus, to fully understand how “evil” is overcome.

The Context of ‘Evil’

This Scripture is a letter written by Paul, late in his life, to the Christians in Rome (in the mid first century of the Christian era). It was likely written from jail, where Paul was sent due to the disruptive nature of his preaching of the Gospel. Paul had encountered enough evil, persecution and violence, to write with personal credibility in these matters. Paul’s own character and faith was such that he often impressed people, especially given the situations he found himself in – persecuted for his proclamation of Jesus, and often at risk through crossing dangerous seas following God’s call to mission in various places. So, the encouragement to be “noble”, in the face of threat, had already been a challenge to this writer, before it would be to any reader.

Paul felt that this issue of good character, would be how the Christians in Rome could effectively promote the effectiveness of the Gospel of Jesus. If they, with all the benefits of what Jesus had done for them, could not live with more hope, more peace and more productivity … than their ‘unchurched’ neighbour, then this would call their faith and love into question. To put this in the positive – good character will leave its mark in very real ways across a local community.

So, in the context of ‘evil’, or less than best circumstances, the proper response … is NOT disengagement (nor hiding away), and is NOT a ‘higher-ground’ mentality – where we only look askance with judgment upon the scene around us. The proper response is actually ‘redemptive engagement’ i.e. a personal and relational engagement within society that brings about change for the better. We would certainly pray for God’s enablement and provision in these circumstances, but we would NOT ONLY pray … but be prepared to be part of the answer to those prayers!

The accumulating emphasis in this passage is shunning “evil” and avoiding revenge. But it goes further, to overcoming “evil”, to turning “evil” around – changing the reality in which we live … where there will be a greater degree of ‘repentance’ for wrongdoing, where there will be LESS thought of vengeance, and where the cycle of violence can be broken.

We might pause to consider what sort of “evil” exists around us. Anywhere and anytime any part of God’s good creation is marred, abused, wasted, hurt; or where human community finds itself under oppression, or curtailed by injustice – that’s “evil”! In our local context, there may be only relatively small pockets of such issues, but this would still be problematical for people’s well-being and relationships, and potentially block their pathway to spiritual renewal.

In what ways can this “evil” be overcome, and how can we be part of this? Paul is seeking to address this; and in so doing, impresses upon us a certain way of thinking. Do we ever underestimate the power of the words of Scripture, when applied in everyday life, to make a real difference?! The words at the end of verse 20 … certainly take a little unpacking! Verse 20 in totality … provides a magnificent picture of the impact of providing a ministry to those who might be regarded, fairly or unfairly, as our “enemies”.

The impact of this radical ministry of hospitality will bring about sincere ‘repentance’, and thereby changed outcomes: “… for by doing this, you will heap burning coals on their heads” (v 20b). Paul is quoting here from Proverbs 25:21-22. The background to this, seems to be the ancient Egyptian ritual in which someone seeking forgiveness would carry a pan of burning coals on his head as evidence of the reality of their repentance. “In this case, the “coals” are a dynamic symbol of [a] change of mind, which takes place as a result of a deed of love” (William Klassen, John Stott, Krish Kandiah).

In the book "Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo - the second best book on 'repentance' after the Bible - we hear the story of Jean Valjean who has been imprisoned for 20 years for a minor crime, now released and looking for help at a bishop's residence. Having received the mercies of food and a bed for the night, his brokenness still cuts in and Jean Valjean steals the silverware. When he returns the next day in the company of the police who have arrested him, rather than seeing him imprisoned again, the 'noble' bishop asks Jean Valjean why he didn't take the silver candlesticks that he had given him as well! Having had these "burning coals heaped on his head" (so to speak), Jean Valjean had his life turned around toward being an instrument of grace in the world.

We are being reminded that, even the darkest heart can be brought into the light, and even the worst situation can be transformed. But it doesn’t just happen … not unless the cultural assumptions of the world are put under a biblical microscope … not unless God’s people, who live under that Word, provide an alternative vision of the way to live. We do NOT curse, repay evil, incite conflict, or exact revenge! We stop building barricades! Rather we bring a blessing of some type to others, live positively, be active peace-makers, and offer hospitality.

When it comes to judgment - as we are NOT well-skilled in allocating blame … NOT necessarily reacting to the right person, at the right time, in the right way, for the right purpose – this is best left with God – so Paul thinks, so God thinks! We could only make matters worse! As verses 14 & 20 state, when we are opposed, we are to find ways in which to bless (NOT curse), and offer hospitality. When the purpose in this seems obscure to us, and difficult for us to do, we need to consider how an alternative positive response could actually make a difference – by convicting the persecutor of their wickedness, and ultimately defeating the evil. For this is the Word of the Lord!

Good Character

So, let’s now go back to the words in verse 17: “… take thought for what is noble in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17 - NRSV). What does all this mean? First, what does being “noble” mean? The NIV translates, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody”. So, there is the element of doing the ‘right’ thing. NLT: “Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable”. The ‘honourable’ thing – that which builds the ‘honour’ in which we are held. The Oxford Dictionary includes definitions like "impressive and admirable".

The Greek original is literally, “providing for good things before all people”. We could sense here the possible translation – “… making space for good things to happen across the community”. NKJV: “Have regard for good things …”. So, this idea of ‘nobility’ includes having a view for what is good for (or in the best interests of) the collective community, and being committed to that. Whereas actions will be involved, this is firstly about character – the sort of character that in itself challenges “evil” and proposes other options. It is because of who we are, and who we are becoming, in Christ, that we are making space for good!

This whole passage, in Romans 12, actually deals with good character. We have read about genuine love, which includes respect, care and concern. There is also references to sacrificial service, and efforts toward harmony and peace-making. There is a real feel of positivity, patience and perseverance conveyed in these verses. This is how we are to engage with the world!! And we understand that character cannot be separated from behaviour or lifestyle, as Paul’s antidote to “evil” moves from being simply “noble” (in v 17), toward the radical hospitality (conveyed in v 20). And as said earlier, the practical output of good character can bring remarkable and life-altering outcomes (v 20b). "The way we live should astound the world" (K Kandiah).

Verse 17 says, “… take thought for …”, suggesting that we have to consider carefully, and bring into reality, this good character. We might even decide that it would be wise to prepare ourselves in advance for how we shall rightly react to certain behaviours that seem to ‘get in our face’. We might need to work through our particular vulnerabilities, and plan beforehand how we can cope when our ‘soft spots’ are irritatingly touched or exposed. We may even want to sort of mentally ‘role-play’ situations, either in hindsight or preparation, with our common responses (that don’t produce such good outcomes) being replaced by more helpful or “noble” reactions. We would want to limit any betrayal of the standards of the Gospel.

This verse concludes with, “… in the sight of all”. Who are the “all”?? Let’s say … anyone we encounter, especially those we encounter often. So this, apart from any workplace we travel to, would be our neighbourhood, our local community. Included in this would be our family at home, as well as our church family. Good character involves consistency of behaviour wherever we are, as if we are always being watched. This is like one big universal ‘Truman Show’. This is just like there was a big CCTV camera displaying and recording our every movement. We would want to reduce the instances of unfavourable reflections on Jesus ... that turn people away!

Character Leaving its Mark

What conditions are required before the Gospel can spread broadly across our land? What pre-conditions might there need to be before the Holy Spirit is fully released?? Chris Conlee (and the other pastors in Memphis Tennessee) determined that there needed to be more work done in combating and defeating racism (and other divisions within their community), before there would be adequate space for mass acceptance of the Gospel in that city.

Following the great example of their mentor from 50 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr, those pastors and their people would need people to “take thought for what is noble in the sight of all” – and then lead the way in overcoming evil. Us too!

Our major reference point for overcoming evil is of course Jesus. By his perfect character, and ultimate goodness, he cast out demons and overturned injustice. And then to make a permanent mark on the world, Jesus, in all his innocence, took a large measure of evil upon his own shoulders to the cross – in his mercy releasing us from ever needing to be defined by that evil.

When this was understood by the criminal on the cross next to Jesus, he received the promise of ‘paradise’. When a Roman Centurion observed the humble way in which Jesus died, in the face of a mocking and scornful crowd, he publicly identified Jesus as the Son of God. And then, as God raised him from the dead, in the ultimate act of overcoming evil, Jesus empowered and equipped us (through the Holy Spirit) to live life in the way that he had. It is through receiving Jesus’ mercy, that we can offer a blessing of mercy to others.

There is a wonderful example of a 'noble' person - Nicholas Winton - and his 'noble' act during the second world war - where he saved many refugee children - covered in Krish Kandiah's fine recent book "God Is Stranger".

May our character leave a mark for good where we walk and live. May the character of Jesus that lives through us … overcome evil, and see many people coming to know their Creator God. May our expressions of worship and prayer in this place, combined with practical offers of hospitality and loving care, mean that this community can thrive in experiencing hope, peace, faith and purpose. Amen.

"The Fork in the Road" (Hosea 14:8-9)

Introduction

What sort of decision-maker are you? Often life brings many options, courses of action to choose between – how do you go with this? There is one major fork in the road in life – and that is whether we will accept God’s invitation or not! And we should NOT just see this as a one-off question … that we can tick-off once and never think about again! We need to keep checking that we are on the right path, that we are being true disciples, that we are really following Jesus. Here is the choice: will we follow Jesus … or not; will we accept grace into our lives … or not? Will we walk aright, or will we “stumble” (Hosea 14:9b)?

None of us would be fully satisfied … where we are spiritually. None of us would be totally where God wants us to be. So, we must be awake for the sort of guidance that will draw us closer to our potential in God, and draw us closer to living in the image of Jesus. This is the work of the Holy Spirit – nudging us, challenging us, convicting us, empowering us. Growth doesn’t just happen despite us – we have to be open for it, ready for it, looking for it, anticipating it … allowing Jesus to have the sway in our lives! This requires a positive decision; and any lack of decision, is a bit of a decision in itself.

The Path of Salvation

At some point in life, we became more interested in ourselves and rebelled away from God. This was a choice we made. It may have been very subtle, almost unconscious; but as we kept going down that track … and separating ourselves more and more from God, this was increasingly our choice, and we became lost as a result … and we needed to be saved. Salvation is the process of accepting God’s rescue plan.

We accept that Jesus has gone to the cross for us, taking upon himself the burden of our sin and shame, providing for our forgiveness and a new start. Having accepted this rescue plan, we become a new person going in a new direction … with an indwelling witness to Jesus within us, known as the Holy Spirit. We have been re-established in a relationship with God. We have moved from … ‘I’ll do as I please’ … to … ‘God’s will be done’. We have become part of God’s Kingdom and God’s mission.

Salvation is a process … because we are being renewed each day through forgiveness, developing faith, and growing fruitfulness. Or, at least that’s the plan! We need to be actively deciding to stay on the right road. Like a bush-walker who loses their bearings, we can easily drift off the path, if we are not focused and observant. Yet, just like the rescuers that stayed on the job until that hiker was found in the Grampians this week, God’s rescue plan remains available for us (and others) for as long as it takes – to see us firmly on the right path!

In Ancient Times

The ancient people of Israel had various visitations from God, inviting them to be God’s people … as God went about being faithful to them and seeking to lead them. Often though, they went astray, especially when things were going well, or they became a bit over-confident in their own capacities. They lost focus on God, inevitably meaning that they would tend to float quite easily into the beliefs and practices of the pervading culture. This was particularly the case in the heady days of the 8^th Century BCE, when the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Micah and Hosea were speaking loud and strong.

Faulty decision-making was putting individual well-being, national interests, and God’s mission at risk; and these prophets of God addressed this at length. In summing up 14 chapters of sermons, the great prophet Hosea brings these two verses (14:8-9). The question is put: Why? Why … when God has been present, available and faithful … do the people go after other “idols”? God asks (v 8a), “What have I to do with idols”, meaning that these “idols” are completely separate from who God is, and his best intentions for humanity.

Some of these “idols” were the superficial pleasures of the Canaanite gods. Some of these “idols” were desires for political and military supremacy over neighbouring nations. Some of these “idols” were related to an ease of life and prosperity. But, none of these were the blessings that God had particularly in mind for His people! And such “idols” certainly tended to make people blind and deaf to the real God! And there would be very serious consequences for ignoring God and taking alternative dead-end roads. Such is always the case. A life of waste leads to a wasted life.

And the cost isn’t just for us to bear, for very few decisions are made in isolation. Everything we do … impacts on all those close to us. Everything we do … resounds through eternity. The Old Testament ‘judge’ Gideon started out well when he was attuned to God, but ended badly when he went off under his own counsel. And, those who know the King David and Bathsheba story, know about how improper impulses and bad decisions can lead to destructive cover-ups and disastrous outcomes. [Just as many have done before us, are we taking God too lightly?!]

This is all just so unthinking, discourteous and disloyal, when you consider that God is like an “evergreen cypress” (v 8). Whatever sort of pine tree (from those days) is actually in mind here – I imagine that it would be one impressive tree! We are being lead to think of a mighty tree that is perennial – it’s always there … a bit of a land-mark, and is always majestic in character.

If God ever appears to be missing, we must be lacking (the right) perspective. As God did for the people of Israel, one generation after another, God provides all we need to love and appreciate Him. It just could be, that any challenging period for us, and any sense that God is distant, is meant to be a season of enduring and learning, or indeed, actively applying what we already know!

[In Jesus’ time, he talked about the “narrow” gate and the “wide” gate (Matthew 7:13-14). The “wide” gate is the problematical one, because everything fits through the “wide” gate, including pride, large egos, power-seeking, hardheartedness and unforgiveness. The “wide” gate is also the gate of popular opinion; but the problem is … it leads to destruction. The “wide” gate CANNOT sustain life.

The “narrow” gate, on the other hand, while NOT designed to be exclusive, is so counter-cultural, and so God-focussed, many choose NOT to take it. The “narrow” way is also the “hard” way, because it is the road of sacrificial service in the pattern of Jesus. Yet this “narrow” gate truly opens the track of freedom and purposefulness, where, because this is the path of following Jesus – families, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs, and the whole community can be seriously blessed.]

Modern Idols

So, like the challenge of Hosea's day, we would need to consider what “idols” are across our path, perhaps distracting us, perhaps demeaning us, perhaps diverting us … from staying on the right road. We often regret that some close to us have strayed; so let’s keep a watch over ourselves, so that we might be part of their return (and certainly NOT make matters worse). Perhaps there could even be such a cultural drift toward rejecting the ways of God, that this could even capture us. What possible “idols” are competing for our attention, or getting in our way? Could this be a bigger issue than we might at first imagine?

Actually … might attending to this, be the big breakthrough we are looking for? Might the impact be broad? So … what is meant by an “idol”??? Anything that is seen as a substitute for God. Anything that is given more prominence or importance than God. And this is NOT just about the downgrading of a personal relationship with God. There is more at stake than that. To deny God a place in our lives, disrupts the work of God’s Kingdom, messes with our mission, and potentially breaks up the Body of Christ (the Church). No wonder God sent prophet after prophet, and then ultimately Jesus.

“Idols” can steal our attention, and often this happens quite subtly; but when unaddressed the negative outcomes are hugely problematical. Sometimes “idols” are a matter of ‘addiction’, but other times simply a (bad) choice. Here are some possibilities; some of these can normally be quite innocent, unless they are given the wrong priority, or, more to the point, too much is invested in them, and too much is expected out of them. You would have to consider your own situation, and ask the question … does what I invest in this, and expect out of this … replace God in my life??

These things can be life-giving; but they can also be life-taking!! Money, material possessions, status, success; life activities e.g. work, family, sex; personal pursuits e.g. sport, recreation, food, diet, fashion, physical appearance; religious habits or institutional duties; politics, social recognition, needing the admiration of others; even the preference to live with resentment and anger. My “idol” might be acquiring and imparting knowledge (especially theological learnings); good in itself … unless you give it the wrong emphasis, and separate this from actually knowing God deeply and forming (good neighbourly) relationships with others.

Making Good Decisions

Such “idols” can block our vision … of the best way forward. This is why we sing, “Open the eyes of our heart Lord, I want to see You, I want to see You”! What we need to do, is look into the vast possibilities there are … in putting God first, and deciding 100% for following Jesus. Look at verse 8. Which of these or any “idols” could possibly replace God!? Which of these or any “idols” are as attuned to our welfare as God is? Even our own capacity to be faithful and fruitful depends upon allowing God to grow us.

Those that continue to go against the grand scheme of nature, the creative genius of God; or indeed those who regress to worshipping other “idols”, can only stumble – because that path is rocky and full of so many snares. We are just so designed to be in relationship with our Creator God, that to miss out on this … leaves us depleted, and in serious danger. There is a decision for us to make. Tim McGraw sings these words: We’re all looking for love and meaning in our lives – we follow the roads that lead us … [either] to drugs or [to] Jesus.

When we do our due considerations, some “idols” will be easily exposed as far inferior to God. Others will be considered simple distractions – understandably so, yet still potentially problematical! Some “idols” need to be well-and-truly left behind, while others might just need to be re-fitted into a more healthy priority … and thus no longer be “idols”. Those who take the right fork in the road are described as “wise” (v 9a) … they have considered well, and have ‘discerned’ correctly what actually makes total sense. Just recall for a moment … the Magi in Matthew’s nativity story – the wise men, those Gentile astrologers, who followed the star all the way to the place of Jesus’ birth.

These wise men could have easily succumbed to the gratuitous overtures of King Herod, and been well rewarded and acclaimed for their efforts for the king. This would have been the easier, safer, and even the expected thing for them to do. Yet, we read, “having been warned in a dream NOT to return to Herod, they left for their own country BY ANOTHER ROAD” (Matthew 2:12)! We are being led to understand … that having heard the voice of God, these men (that we call “wise”), decided well. In their own best interests, and in the service of Jesus – they took the right fork in the road.