Easily Deceived

One of my favorite reminders is there is no coincidence with God. Our reading this week falls in that vein. It was no coincidence that the message from Deuteronomy on Tuesday predicting the Israelites serving false gods coincided with Psalm 115 describing the vanity of false Gods.

Psalm 115 tells us idols have mouths, noses, ears, hands, and feet, but they cannot taste, smell, hear, touch, or walk. Our God can do all of these things and more as proven in the life of Jesus and in OT accounts as well when Adam walked with God in the garden or Enoch talked with God before his rapture or when God tells them their sacrifices are a sweet smelling savor unto Him. These references and many more prove our God can utilize senses as we do, but He can do so much more.

He knows all. He sees the end from the beginning. That is how he was able to tell Moses to relate to the people that they would in fact rebel once they entered the promised land (Deu. 31:20).

But why would the Israelites serve gods made of stone, wood, silver, or gold? They have heard the voice of God, seen His delivering power, and watched Him go before them as a cloud by day and a fire by night for 40 years. How could they so easily be deceived by false gods?

As much as we hate to admit it, we are so very much like them. We see God’s power when He provides for us in a simple matter and then doubt His ability to help us through our next trial. We see the beauty of His creation, but then begin to doubt when an atheist brings a convincing argument. We say we trust Him, but make 10 plans using our money, intellect, and resources in case He doesn’t come through.

We may not bow down to an idol today, but people still sacrifice their children to the false god of freedom. People still elevate the false god of money above God. People still place their false god of clothes, appearance, and beauty above loving others.

We must all be watchful that we keep the Word of God before us daily to keep our flesh from leading us in a wrong direction. God knew His word was the antidote. He prescribed an annual reading of the ENTIRE law in Deuteronomy 31:11-12.

Therefore, to ensure you don’t go astray, keep God’s word continually before you.