“For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good."
Jeremiah 10:3-5 NIV
(This is a continuation week reflecting on previous mission experiences.)
A debate arose while we were in Brazil. Some people wanted to purchase some of the wooden or ceramic Christ statue replicas; some believed it would amount to idol worship. It is true, there are countless pieces of beautiful art in Brazil. The famous Christ statue, a symbol for many in Rio of the Catholic church, is probably one of the most used structures in art. It has become not only the symbol of hope for many, but also a tremendous source of marketing for others, through the hand carved and chiseled smaller versions of the statue.
The Word of God is clear, through the Ten Commandments, that we should not “make any graven images” of the Lord. That is surely what some people of Brazil have done with their little statues. They place them on shelves close to the ceilings of their homes so they may “look over” the affairs of the home; perhaps, hopefully providing protection for those who live in the home. We found many places, however, where this protection did not seem to be working.
I think that when you apply complete Biblical principles to the subject of idols, the point is very clear. It is more a matter of what you do with the statues, how you view them, than it is having the statues in your home. You see, those statues can’t help you. They have no power to ward off evil or to bring forth blessings. But, at the same time, they can’t hurt you either; at least not in a physical sense.
That’s exactly the point I think God is making in today’s passage of Scripture. When we trust in things which have no power of their own, then we are wasting our trust. We found many people who had never had explained to them the Christ these statues represented. They were searching for something to believe and when it was told to them that this Christ, the Son of the Living God, died for their sins, they readily accepted.
The application for us is the same. When you and I, with our statues of bank accounts and 401K‘s, pleasure boats and cars, or anything else we trust in for peace of mind and hope for the future, depend on anything other than Jesus Christ, we are wasting that trust. Let’s get back to the simplicity and the sufficiency of knowing, loving and trusting Jesus alone!
For more of my thoughts, check out my personal blog at
http://www.ronedmondson.com where I write on issues such as marriage, parenting, church and leadership.
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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