Prayer Focus: Japan
Bible Reading: Isaiah 46-49; Psalm 135
Scripture
The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
They have ears, but cannot hear,
nor is there breath in their mouths.
Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them. (Psalm 135:15-18)
Observation
It’s easy to dismiss the idols of days gone by as ridiculous relics of an ancient, uneducated people. Who in their right mind would worship something “made by human hands,” or would we? USAmericans devote countless time and energy in the pursuit of more pieces of paper that we call money. We construct grand structures and pay greatly to watch athletes play games or musicians perform music. One of our greatest pastimes now is shopping! Is it all that far-fetched to say that we have as many idols in our culture today as in biblical days?
Application
I write this on one of my most important tools, my MacBook Pro. Did you notice how I rationalized that, calling it a tool rather than a possession or—worse—an idol? Am I more devoted to technology, toys, television, time with friends, power, pleasure…or God? What or Who is the real object of my worship and allegiance?
Prayer
LORD, I am tempted daily to pursue anything and everyone but You. I don’t kneel before a statue, but my heart does not always beat the strongest for You, the One I claim as my King and LORD. I never want to serve other gods. I never want anything or anyone to place You in second place—or worse—in my life. Forgive me for my idolatry. I want to want You, my first Love. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Scio Journal 
July 25, 2012 at 11:30 AM
But I said, “I have labored in vain;
I have spent my strength for nothing at all.
Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand,
and my reward is with my God.”
And now the Lord says—
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord
and my God has been my strength —
he says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
— Isaiah 49.4-6
July 25, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Two things come to mind when reading Isaiah’s passage.
In direct reference to Isaiah 49, I’m reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” and again Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12-18 – in reference to holding firm, God working in us to fulfill His good purpose, and then Paul’s words in 16 – that he will be able to say that he did not run or labor in vain.”
It’s clear that we, like Isaiah and Paul, don’t always see how God is working and moving, but it is clear that we should not give up doing good, being faithful, and striving toward obedience.
The second thing – in respect to a youth ministry article I was reading today – the author was talking about “mess” within the church and how it’s always a part of working with people. Wherever people are working together and seeking more of God – there will be mess as we deal with sin, in our own lives and the lives of those we walk alongside of in ministry.
Then the author made this comment, “The Gospel reminded Paul of God’s work in the past, and this more than offset the bitter pill of the present. [in reference to his letter to the Corinthian church] Paul had learned to focus on God at work amidst the mess, and he refused to write off anyone whom the Lord had written in.”
How often do I grow weary – not only of doing good, but doing anything at all? As Tom shared on Sunday morning – the disciples, overwhelmed by the size of the crowd, saw an insurmountable obstacle – but Jesus took what was available, and met the need.
May we not grow weary. May we remember that we are His, that He works in us to will and to act in order to fullfill His purposes, that He has made us His handiwork, and and prepared in advance, good works for us to do. May we bring our gifts – what we have – to Him and allow HIM to multiply it, like the loaves and the bread. And, may we not ‘Write-off’ anyone from God’s blessing. Isaiah (and Paul), like us, was made a ‘light for the Gentiles, that [God’s] salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
May we extend our reach, so that other’s may know. May we shine brightly and not lose heart.
July 25, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Amen!!!
July 25, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Very well put. We all can seriously pray for God to show us the idols in our life and call upon Him to help us repent. We can forget about our crafty way of justification and just get on our knees. Amen! Thanks Pastor.