It seems Israel needed to brandish God as a mere idol in order to realize the sordid state of their union with Him. Like a philandering husband who comes home to his belongings strewn across the front yard, Israel needed to be confronted with the reality of their adulterous ways. God had gone out from them and His people were plunged into a functional hell: the absence of His presence.
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My preacher-momma explained it to our confirmation class. The chancel lamp was a symbol of God’s continual presence in His sanctuary. Though we come and go, His presence is constant. Unwavering. He is with us always.
Jesus sets us free from the heavy burden of our own righteousness. His love and goodness allows us to set down the basket of effort: of doing it in our own strength. With hands finally free of this impossible burden, we instead can lift them in praise. We can finally, fully walk in worship.
Maturing Christians are learning to surrender and submit to the handholding of the Father and the leading of the Spirit.
Worshiping our offspring will keep us from our primary purpose with them: parenting. It will also distract and ultimately detract our worship from the one true God.
When the cold, hard light of morning comes and our iniquity is on full display, the enemy will accuse and Jesus will absolve.
Jesus had a geographical location that He climbed to on a regular basis to adjust His worldview. He stayed long enough to emerge obedient. I wonder, what about us?
The horns of illegitimate altars provided no refuge; only the illusion of safekeeping, none of the muscle necessary for actual rescue.
Jesus’ presence in their vessel made their journey smoother and far speedier.