Those Pesky Israelites!
by Judy Wallace
I sat there shaking my head. My husband asked me what was wrong to which I responded, “It’s those pesky Israelites!” I had been reading through Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Throughout both books the prophets would speak over and again to the people about their idols. They had made idols of silver and gold. They had carved idols of wood. They had adopted the evil practices of surrounding cultures and performed them in and around the temple.
What was wrong with these people? Did they not realize they were God’s chosen people, the apple of His eye? Were they not aware of the major miracles God had performed to free their ancestors from slavery in Egypt? They knew of the miracles of ten plagues and the most well-known: the crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground. These should have been enough to keep their focus on Him and worship Him only.
God not only oversaw their freedom, but also provided for every physical need while they wandered in the wilderness. He sent bread and meat and provided fresh water. He had allowed them to gather spoil from the Egyptian people: silver, gold, jewelry, fine cloth, and tapestries. Later they used these things as offerings to build the tabernacle according to God’s specifications. They could only give from what they had been given, and God made sure they were given much. How could they doubt, turn away from God, then give His glory and honor to another?
I sit here shaking my head. What is wrong? It is pesky little ‘ole me! I couldn’t believe these people with all of the blessings, provisions, and promises---- along with the displays of God’s power and glory -------would insist on doing things their way instead of His. But I do the same thing! He has made me His child by grace alone, and freed me from the bondage of sin. I have seen miracles brought about by His power and mercy. He has supplied every need and given me exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think. (See Ephesians 3:20,21) Anything I have to offer Him comes from Him. Any time, talent, treasure I might have are blessings He has given to use for Him. Do I obey Him wholeheartedly? Immediately? At all times? In all circumstances? Do I always give Him the glory or do I try to keep some for myself? Do I seek accolades and praise? Words of affirmation? Is my idol me? Is it desire for recognition?
If so, then those pesky Israelites ‘got nuttin on me!’ Self-reliance, self-sufficiency, pride… nothing is more of a stench in the nostrils of God! There is no worse idol than self!
RESPONSE: This blog is for me. I’m being very transparent when I tell you God has taken me to the whipping post. I’m such a hard-head, He sent me the same message from four different sources over four different days in four very different situations. What was it? Luke 18:9-14
As you read it, pray for me! How can I reach others if I don’t humble myself before God and repent of my sin! God showed me clearly my attitude is much more that of a Pharisee than that of an humble tax collector. “God be merciful to me a sinner.”
