Deaf And Blind Because Of Idolatry

The Jews committed the terrible sin of idolatry by trusting “in graven images” (v. 17). They “require a sign” (1 Cor 1:22), and were dependent upon seeing some kind of molten images in order to believe. They became blinded to those things that they can only believe “by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7). Sadly, many people today “will not believe” (Jn 4:48), unless they can worship images or things that they can see. Most religions of the world such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Roman Catholicism use images, icons and statues for their devotion – they claim that these are their gods (Isa 42:17). Not only does idolatry breaks the second commandment (Ex 20:2), but according to our passage, their idolatry made them “deaf” and “blind” to faith. They that make them and trust in them “are like unto them” (Ps 115:8).

 Because genuine faith is “the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1)! But idolatry is not just worshipping physical images. It is when people develop some deep attachments to things that pulls them away from God; such as “the love of money” (1 Tim 6:10), loving “the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn 12:43), or even identifying themselves with worldly things (1 Jn 2:15). Many have placed more value on their own achievements to please others (Gal 1:10), rather than pleasing our Lord Jesus (Col 3:23).

There is nothing wrong with work, sports, entertainment, gadgets, physical appearance, pets, or just having a relaxing vacation. But when folks become obsessed with these and they give them a much higher priority than God (Mt 6:33), then they become idols of the heart (Eze 14:3)! People become deaf and no longer want to read or listen to God’s word (2 Tim 4:3). And they begin to lose compassion for lost souls, because they are blinded (2 Cor 4:4), by their idols! Let’s prayerfully evaluate our lives to ensure that nothing or no one has taken over the pre-eminence of God in our lives (Col 1:18)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera