Faith In God Alone

Then the LORD said, “Broadcast this message in the streets of Jerusalem. Go from town to town throughout the land and say, ‘Remember the ancient covenant, and do everything it requires. For I solemnly warned your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, “Obey me!” I have repeated this warning over and over to this day, but your ancestors did not listen or even pay attention. Instead, they stubbornly followed their own evil desires. And because they refused to obey, I brought upon them all the curses described in this covenant.’” [Jeremiah 11.6-8]

The ancient covenant is the covenant of faith in God alone as Abraham demonstrated. By creating idols, God's people followed their own evil desires. The result? Disaster.

God is no less demanding today that we live by faith in Him alone. The covenant terms only changed in that the blood of bulls and goats has been replaced with the blood of God's own Son. But faith has always been the only way to please God. Simplistic idols of metal, wood and stone back then and complex idols of ingenuity, science and technology today ALL stand in the way of faith - ALL effectively prevent their worshippers from pleasing God. And, just as ancient Israel refused to obey God in turning from their idols, so the modern Church refuses to obey in turning from its idols!

As God desired to set apart Israel of old, so He desires to set apart His people today. How? By meeting their needs His way instead of the world's way. Instead of looking to idols, God wants His people to look to Him!

Will we be stubborn and follow our own evil desires, or will we follow Him in undivided faith?

Father, may we be found going out of our way to trust You alone so that You, and only You, receive all the glory.