By the Art and Imagination of Man

Daily Reading: Acts 17

We ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. (Acts 17.29)

Devotional Thought: "Brown County Fair Week" is a momentous - almost spiritual - event.  During fair week, schools are shut down, businesses change their schedules, and family members come home on pilgrimage.  Everything bows down to it.  Not having been raised around Brown County, I just roll my eyes at the whole phenomenon, but if you are a local, it’s serious business.  Rain or shine you will be there.

Lest you think I’m pointing fingers, let me confess.  On the fall day that I wrote those words, I was wearing an Ohio State t-shirt underneath an Ohio State hoodie.  The Buckeyes were playing the Hoosiers!  Thousands sat out in a cold rain to watch the game.  Millions more joined me in watching the game on TV.  Every fall Saturday, tens of millions watch various games across America.  These games will impact our schedules, affect our attitudes, and make or break our days. 

Of course, we don’t worship the Brown County Fair or the Ohio State Buckeyes.  But do we give these and other things “formed by the art and imagination of man” such a place in our hearts that they become like gods to us?  Do we allow anything to displace the One True God, if only for a moment?

"What is your god like?"  That was the question that Paul asked the Athenians.  "Is your divine being formed out of gold or silver or by the art and imagination of man?"

How can we keep things from crowding out the One True God?  We need to do what Paul told the Athenians to do: recognize what we really worship, repent from putting anything before God, and receive the righteousness of Christ. 

Prayer: O Lord, you are God in heaven above and have been throughout all eternity.  You are not formed by the art and imagination of man.  Grant me discernment that I might see when I begin to elevate other things to god-like status.  And give me a humble and repentant heart that worships you only.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 77.10-15

Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High. ” 

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah