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REFLECTION

The tragedy of the idol of safety and security. A tragedy is an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress. Hosea warns Israel against the impending wrath of God or judgement  because of their dependence on pagan nations and creation of idols for safety and security instead of relying on God for their deliverance “…With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction. I have spurned your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For it is from Israel; a craftsman made it; it is not God. The calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces…Israel is swallowed up; already they are among the nations as a useless vessel. For they have gone up to Assyria, a wild donkey wandering alone; Ephraim has hired lovers. Though they hire allies among the nations, I will soon gather them up. And the king and princes shall soon writhe because of the tribute.” (Hosea 8:4-6, 8-10) In other words, both the idol worshippers in Israel and their idols shall be punished or destroyed by God.

An idol is anything that replaces God in our lives. Our rich and successful spouses and children, work and wealth have mainly become the idols of safety and security even among many Christians in our time. Many have replaced the Creator with His creation in their lives. Due to many Christian’s obsession to work, business and money they are no longer faithful to God with their time, resources and lives. The commitment of many Christians in the 21st century is focused on the idols of safety and security as mentioned above. In the parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:12-24 Jesus warns us against missing the Kingdom of God or our salvation because of our obsession to the things of this world such as wealth, work or business and marriage which makes us give excuses to God when we are invited to respond to His call. The undeniable truth is that the idols of this world and our very lives shall come to end and it will be tragic for the people who have made them their gods of safety and security, for Jesus warns us that “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Revelations 22:12). The choice is yours to make today, who or what will you continue to make the source of your safety and security, the Creator or His creation? Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to overcome the temptation of making the things of this world our idols of safety and security. Keep us focused on our relationship with God no matter our situation or status in life and help us to remain faithful to our Creator and Saviour. Amen