In 1 Thessalonians we will hear about how Jesus is the one who delivers us from the wrath to come. Nowadays we don't like to talk about "the wrath to come." That doesn't sound very nice.
True. So let's not talk about anything that doesn't sound nice! Let's not talk about the war in Ukraine – that doesn't sound nice. Let's not talk about global warming – or abortion – or human trafficking – they don't sound nice.
God says that there is wrath to come. That he will judge each one according to his deeds. And those who turn aside from the living and true God have rebelled against him.
Isaiah 44 describes the process of idolatry. An idol is anything that we trust to deliver us. As verse 17 says, "He prays to it and says, 'Deliver me, for you are my god!'"
The idolater knows full well that the piece of wood is not actually a god. But the idolater is seeking to worship his god through that piece of wood.
"He feeds on ashes" Isaiah says, "a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, 'Is there not a lie in my right hand?'"
Idolatry is fundamentally built on lies. When we worship something other than the living and true God when we think that something else can deliver us – we are deluded!
What is your situation right now? What is it that you are counting on to make your situation better?
I know. I'm the same way. I know the right answer – "Jesus!" But then – in the moment – I've got a better answer, 'cause Jesus is taking too long...
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