Anglican Daily Fountain 18th December 2023 (Devotional Today)

TOPIC: FLEE IDOLATRY

TEXT: Isaiah44:9-23(KJV)
44:9. They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.
44:10. Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?
44:11. Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.

44:12. The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.
44:13. The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.

44:14. He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.
44:15. Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.
44:16. He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:

44:17. And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.
44:18. They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.

44:19. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?
44:20. He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

44:21. Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.
44:22. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
44:23. Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

Anglican Daily Fountain 18th December 2023 STUDY:

The futility of idols is properly highlighted for us today. It seems strange that a man can cut a tree by himself, burn part of it to warm himself, cook with some, roast meat to eat with some, and yet fashion some into an idol and bow down to worship it, claiming it to be some god! As strange and senseless as it is for any spiritually reasonable person, it is not just so for others who are not spiritually discerning. But that is just the way of sin. It is deceptive and enslaving; it does not allow its victim to think straight. Sin blinds the sinner!

We need not think that idols are limited to wood or stone. A senseless addiction to the pursuit of money is equally so. Money can become an idol, and indeed it has become so for many Christians, regrettably. Anything that competes with God in our lives is an idol. It could be money, fame, husband, wife, or position. All idols have the same characteristics:They deceive and take our attention away from God. What has become an idol in your life? Is God still retaining first position in your heart?

Do you continuously miss fellowshipping with Him because you claim something or someone else is important and taking your time? Then that person or thing is an idol. Discard him, her or it. “Remember these, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant”(v.21).

PRAYER: May my life be consecrated, Lord, to You.

Read Today’s Daily Devotional Message