Our God is THE God
The gods of this earth are many. Everywhere you look, people are giving themselves over to empty, useless, dead gods. No matter where you travel around the world, the influence of empty, useless, dead gods is seen, creating havoc and despair for those who, with blinded eyes, fail to see the destruction within which they participate.
Psalm 115.5-7, describes perfectly the hopelessness of idols:
"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."
The impact of modern "un-sculpted" idols is no different. They have money, but never supply enough; They give highs but never lift one up; They excite but never satisfy; they promise but always fail to carry through. As a result, we see daily the hopelessness of those trapped by the "make-believe" god they follow. The Psalmist adds,
"Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them" (v.8).
Our hearts ache for their spiritual ignorance; their inability to see Truth and run to Jehovah, the God of glory. How we long for the blessed understanding that we have to come to their hearts.
The Psalmist shares a message of contrast between the futility of idolatry and the trustworthiness of God--a trustworthiness that is manifested in the Lord's glory. It is grounded in His praise of His glory; His giving of Himself in glory.
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth" (Psalms 115:1 NKJV).
While within the historical context, this is a call to Israel to leave their idolatrous state, contemporarily, it preaches the Gospel--see Hebrews 1:1-3. God's glory shines even in idolatry; it glows bright in the darkness of spiritual ignorance; its fullness is bright in emptiness. God's glory outshines the horror of spiritual nothingness; it cleanses the smudges of sin. Christ, the radiance of that glory, gives glory back to the God of glory and thrusts God's glory upon the "glory-less" servants of idols. His glory is seen through His creation, His Son, and His church--see Romans 1. It is the eternal hope of restoration for the saint, sinner, and all of creation.
The preaching continues:
"The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great. May the LORD give you increase more and more, you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, Who made heaven and earth" (Psalms 115:12-15 NKJV).
What a message of fullness, usefulness, and life! The message of the Gospel--read through the "I ams" in the Gospel of John.
God's Gospel IS the message. Our God is THE God. His glory is THE response to the bleak world within which we live. Therefore, never stop preaching, dreaming, pushing forward the glory of God. Remain faithful, stay focused, hold on! His glory will shine through our darkest challenges and deepest, darkest hollows of life. Work until the night, rest in Him, and work some more. Trust those in our care to Him, for it is in Him they will be redeemed. Praise, rejoice, and hope in Him continually. Plead to Him for His deepest Truths. Long for His personal presence. Frustrate the enemy as you praise His glory! And be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world!
"The dead do not praise the LORD, nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!" (Psalms 115:17-18 NKJV)
Bless Him who reigns eternal!