Man's Actions Define His Idols

Because you have trusted in your wealth and skill, you will be taken captive. Your god Chemosh, with his priests and officials, will be hauled off to distant lands! [Jeremiah 48.7]

As I am seeing more clearly the idolatry of this period of time, Moab's prophesied destruction (by Jeremiah) may shed light on contemporary idolatry.

Moab attributed their military prowess to their god Chemosh. Most of Jeremiah's prophecy about Moab focused on their being stripped of their strength which would therefore be indicative of Chemosh's demise.

What this speaks to modern cultures is of the danger of boasting of military might. Likewise it speaks of the fallacy of desiring and building military might much the same as one would form an idol of wood or stone. If anything is learned from Israel's history, it is that God delivered Israel over and again in complete defiance of logic (military or otherwise). Moab's embrace of military might - their embrace of Chemosh - led to their fall.

As nations today measure themselves against one another in terms of military strength, are they not, praising the god Chemosh? Of course, no one would be so antiquated and silly to make such a foolish statement, but man's actions define his idols, not his words.

In this line of thought, I believe a warning is long overdue for the millions of gun owners in the USA. There is an undeniable arrogance among those who are well armed in this nation that reeks of the worship of Chemosh.

“You used to boast, ‘We are heroes, mighty men of war.’ But now Moab and his towns will be destroyed. His most promising youth are doomed to slaughter,” says the King, whose name is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Destruction is coming fast for Moab; calamity threatens ominously. You friends of Moab, weep for him and cry! See how the strong scepter is broken, how the beautiful staff is shattered! [Jeremiah 48.14-17]

Jeremiah went on to speak for God in scolding Moab's pride:

“You people of Moab, flee from your towns and live in the caves. Hide like doves that nest in the clefts of the rocks. We have all heard of the pride of Moab, for his pride is very great. We know of his lofty pride, his arrogance, and his haughty heart. I know about his insolence,” says the LORD, “but his boasts are empty—as empty as his deeds. [Jeremiah 48.28-30]

Am I suggesting that America (or any other nation) be disarmed? Absolutely not! But what I am warning against is trusting in weaponry instead of trusting in God. May those who trust in God trust in Him alone!

Father, thank You for continuing to speak today to the age-old problem of idolatry. Forgive me, forgive us, for taking comfort in our weapons and military might instead of taking comfort in You, our God!