How does Isaiah 40:20 challenge our understanding of idolatry in modern life? Reading the Passage “ To one bereaved of an offering he chooses wood that will not rot; he looks for a skilled craftsman to set up an idol that will not topple.” (BSB, Isaiah 40:20) The Ancient Scene - The worshiper lacks means for a precious metal idol, so he hunts for hardwood that resists decay. - He commissions an expert artisan, intent on an image sturdy enough to stay upright. - The irony is clear: the god cannot even stand unless propped by human effort. Modern Mirrors - Today’s idols rarely sit on a shelf; they glow on screens, park in driveways, or impress on résumés. - People still select the finest “wood” — career paths, relationships, technologies — and seek “skilled craftsmen,” such as financial planners or personal trainers, to keep those idols from toppling. - The impulse Isaiah exposes has not changed; only the materials have. Themes Exposed 1. Human anxiety over permanence • Ancient worshiper feared rot; modern hearts fear obsolescence, irrelevance, market crashes. 2. Dependence on human craftsmanship • Idols survive by constant upgrades, maintenance, optimization. 3. Illusion of control • Builders feel secure because the idol stands, yet Psalm 115:4-8 shows such idols are powerless and those who trust them become like them. Supporting Scriptures - Exodus 20:3-4 warns against making or serving any image. - Colossians 3:5 equates greed with idolatry, bringing the concept into everyday desires. - 1 John 5:21 concludes, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Practical Takeaways - Examine what absorbs the most thought, spending, conversation; these areas often reveal modern idols. - Refuse to measure worth by durability of possessions or reputation; instead anchor identity in the eternal Word that “stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) - Replace self-made security systems with active trust in Christ, “the radiance of God’s glory.” (Hebrews 1:3) - Cultivate habits of worship that spotlight God’s sufficiency, displacing counterfeit gods before they demand more upkeep. |
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