DAD'S RAMBLINGS --SERVING THE LIVING GOD
"And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." (I Thessalonians 1:6-9)
Thessalonica was a city in Macedonia which Paul had preached in after receiving a vision to preach the gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16:10). In Acts 17, we find the record of his ministry there. There were some Jews who were persuaded to turn to Christ, but there was a great multitude of devout Greeks who followed Paul.
It was to this body of believers that the Apostle wrote, saying that they were examples of turning to God from idols to serve the living God.
Every person who believes the Gospel of Jesus has turned from idol worship. You say, "I didn't worship idols before I became a Christian." To that I would say that worshiping anything but the living God is idol-worship. It could be myself that I worship, or money, or status, or even family. But everyone worships something or someone. Whatever the primary focus of life is, is an idol. Ezekiel spoke of those who set up idols in their hearts (Ezekiel 14:7).
But these are all dead things. They do not have the life and breath of God. They may be a god to the person who worships them, but they do not bring life. Psalm 135 speaks of these kinds of idols. They have mouths that don't speak; they have eyes that do not see. They have ears that do not hear. There is no breath in their mouths. And those who make them are like them (Psalm 135:15-18). By contrast, the true and living God speaks, see, hears and breathes His breath into our lives.
We, as believers, worship the true and living God. He is worthy of our service.
Love, Dad
No comments:
Post a Comment