Divine Irony: Idol Worship Still Exists In The 21st Century Series

Divine Irony: Idol Worship Still Exists in the 21st Century

1 Kings 18:27 (NLT): "About noontime Elijah began mocking them. 'You’ll have to shout louder,' he scoffed, 'for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!'"

Introduction

Today we will explore a profound topic that remains relevant despite the passage of centuries: "Divine Irony: Idol Worship Still Exists in the 21st Century." Our anchor scripture is 1 Kings 18:27, where the prophet Elijah mocks the prophets of Baal, exposing the futility of idol worship.

Point 1: The Futility of Idolatry

In 1 Kings 18:27, Elijah's mockery of Baal's prophets is a powerful display of divine irony. Despite their fervent pleas, their idol remains silent. This passage underscores the futility of worshipping false gods, highlighting the emptiness and ineffectiveness of idols.

Psalm 115:4-8 (NLT): "Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them."

As Tim Keller wisely states in his book, Counterfeit Gods, "An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give."

Consider the story of a man who devoted his life to his career, believing it would bring him ultimate satisfaction and purpose. Despite achieving success, he found himself unfulfilled and empty, realising that his career had become an idol that could never truly satisfy his soul's deepest longings.

In our contemporary context, idolatry takes various forms—money, career, relationships, technology. These modern idols promise fulfillment but ultimately leave us empty. We must recognise their futility and turn our hearts wholly to God, the only source of true satisfaction and purpose.

Point 2: The Deception of Modern Idols

Elijah's challenge to Baal's prophets not only exposed the futility of their idols but also the deception behind idol worship. In the 21st century, idolatry often disguises itself in more subtle forms, making it even more deceptive.

Colossians 3:5 (NLT): "So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world."

John Piper asserts, "Idolatry starts in the heart: craving, wanting, enjoying, being satisfied by anything that you treasure more than God."

Imagine a person constantly checking social media, seeking validation and affirmation through likes and comments. This quest for online approval becomes an idol, deceiving them into believing it can fulfill their need for significance and worth.

We must be vigilant in identifying and dismantling the subtle idols in our lives. By examining our hearts and aligning our desires with God's will, we can avoid the deception of modern idols and find true contentment in Him alone.

Point 3: The Call to Exclusive Worship of God

Elijah's confrontation with Baal's prophets culminated in a powerful demonstration of God's supremacy. This story calls us to exclusive worship of the true God, rejecting all forms of idolatry.

Matthew 6:24 (NLT): "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money."

A.W. Tozer profoundly stated, "The essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him."

Reflect on the life of Corrie ten Boom, who, even amidst the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, remained devoted to God. Her unwavering faith and exclusive worship of God sustained her, even in the darkest of times.

Application:

In our daily lives, we are called to exclusive worship of God. This involves prioritising our relationship with Him above all else, rejecting any idols that compete for our affection. By doing so, we honour God and experience the fullness of His presence and blessings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Elijah's confrontation with Baal's prophets reveals timeless truths about the futility and deception of idolatry and the call to exclusive worship of God. As we navigate the 21st century, let us remain vigilant against modern idols, devote ourselves wholly to God, and experience the transformative power of true worship.

Call to Action

Let us commit to:

Recognising the futility of idolatry and turning our hearts wholly to God.

Identifying and dismantling the subtle idols in our lives.

Prioritising our relationship with God above all else, embracing exclusive worship of Him.