If You... Then I Will

“Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen.  Let them save you when you are in trouble!” Judges 10:14

The gods we choose are our idols.  Romans 1:25 describes the nature of our idols this way, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshipped and served the created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.”

Idolatry starts in the heart.  We “idolize” truth by combining it with a lie to suit our selfish desires. Jephthah treats God as an idol when he makes his vow.  “If you give the Ammonites into my hand, then…”  Jephthah seems unable or unwilling to accept the grace and power of the Lord.  He offers a rash and lavish sacrifice dangling a carrot before God trying to influence and control God.

This got me thinking, do I treat God like an idol?

I choose a god of limited omniscience.  God’s omniscience means He’s all knowing past, present, and future.  Although I know God exists, I become deceived like Adam and Eve in the garden.  I become deceived into believing that my God doesn’t know what’s best for me. Do I really believe the designer and knower of everything is incapable of knowing what’s best for me?  

Secondly, I choose a god of limited omnipresence.  God’s omnipresence means He’s ever present and is capable of being everywhere at the same time.  Do I limit the omnipresence of my God by not seeking Him more frequently?

Finally, I choose a god of limited omnipotence.  God’s omnipotence means He’s all powerful.  When I say I can’t memorize scripture or I can’t pray in front of a group I’m putting limits on the power of God.  Do I believe my God who created heaven and earth can’t help me to remember His Word?

Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen.  After being confronted by the prophet Nathan for his sin with Bathsheba, King David chooses to cry out to God.  In Psalm 51:10 he says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”  We need to align our hearts and keep a right view of our awesome, powerful, and loving God. 

In Christ,

Todd Plummer

The passage for Sunday's sermon: Judges 11:29-40

Don't forget to move your clocks forward an hour. Spring forward! :)

Here are the songs for Sunday:

Great Are You, Lord: https://youtu.be/uHz0w-HG4iU

He Will Hold Me Fast: https://youtu.be/nkRiOMJNuTU

My God, My Father While I Stray: https://youtu.be/mPV7r2aAfwE

How Deep the Father's Love (communion): https://youtu.be/e9FG12eTSbI

You Never Let Go: https://youtu.be/y83-vMeWc9E