Choosing Who We Worship
By Dean Collins
Do you like to be forced into a decision? Usually, we want the freedom to make our own choices. Sometimes we have a tendency to ignore certain decisions, hoping things will resolve themselves without our having to decide. That might work with some minor decisions, but it is probably not the best strategy for big decisions that have significant consequences. Ignoring the symptoms of a serious problem might eventually result in life-threatening outcomes.
From a spiritual perspective, we do get to decide whom or what we will worship. Our choice boils down to this: We can choose the God whose name and presence endure forever, or we can choose man-made gods created by human minds and hands. The psalmist reminds us that our idols cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe. And what’s worse, if we make the things of this world our idols or gods, then we become like them.
However, we can choose to worship and serve the Almighty God whose name endures forever and who offers compassion, love, forgiveness of sins, and a way for us to work with Him in bringing His will on earth as it is in heaven.
In Psalm 135, we have a brief yet powerful picture of the eternal nature of God. We are reminded that He is the Creator of all things and that He has faithfully carried out His plan of redemption for mankind. The psalmist trusted in God’s plan even before he could see the gift of the Messiah, who initiated the kingdom of God—a kingdom that continues to expand until Jesus returns to complete the work of bringing heaven and earth together for eternity.
Outside of life in Christ, our names have a limited shelf life. Family and some friends may remember us for a generation or two, and then we are forgotten. But in Christ, our identities are known forever, as we will one day be united with Jesus through the resurrection.
And what about our idols? What about our possessions or the things we choose to elevate above God through either neglect or willful disobedience? Well, our possessions have an even shorter life than our names do outside of Christ.
Maybe today is a good day to reconsider whom we will worship. Ignoring that decision has consequences we want to avoid.
Father, with the psalmist, we declare, “Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, throughout all ages!”
Forgive us for those foolish moments when we forget who we are and forget who You are. Today, we acknowledge that we are created in Your image and that, through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, we are being transformed to live more like Jesus every day.
We bless You, praise You, and thank You for salvation in Christ. Use us today to bring Your will on earth as it is in heaven.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 135:1-21 ESV
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