Monday, August 18, 2008
Psalm 96:4 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD
These words would surely be considered politically incorrect in our backward world. The world around us says that it is the height of arrogance and folly to say that one's God is better and more worthy of praise than another -- yet that is exactly what is said of the LORD Jehovah.
The world around us emphatically declares that all gods are equal. The world around us says it doesn't matter in whom you trust, what's important is that you trust in something or someone. The Word says: The LORD is unique and is to be held in esteem above all others -- and this is not an admission or indication that there really are other gods!
In fact, this Psalm actually says something completely different. Consider what follows:
"For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the LORD made the heavens" (5).
Can you imagine the outrage that would be expressed if I declared on national television: "All the gods that people worship and pray to are nothings -- unless they worship the One God who defines Himself in the Bible." It is considered intolerant to tell anyone (even someone who might consider an earthworm their god): "Your god is a nothing, a figment of your imagination." Yet the Word here declares that all the "so-called" gods of the nations are idols, literally "nothings."
The 115th Psalm says it like it is (4-8, 3): "Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them . . ."
"But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases" (3).
Our God (the LORD, Jehovah) does exist. He reveals His Name in His Word to distinguish Himself from all others. He does what He pleases. He proved that He exists in answering the prayer of Elijah, confirming His presence by sending fire from heaven to consume not only the sacrifice and the wood, but the altar stones and the water as well. He created the heavens (more than our atmosphere, but the universe beyond) and the earth and all that is in them.
Today, as your day begins, remember that the LORD God who created you stands behind you. He not only created you, but also redeemed you, purchased your release from eternal death and made you His own possession through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, His Son.
There is one true God and you know Him! More importantly, He knows YOU and loves you.
