Lifeless Idols or a Living God?
The psalmist said of idols, “They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat” (Psa. 115:4-7). What a contrast between them and our living God!
The living God speaks. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). What a contrast there was at Mt. Sinai between the golden calf and God whose voice echoed from the heavens and shook the earth.
The living God sees. “For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chron. 26:9). Add to this the words of Peter, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous…” (1 Pet. 3:12).
The living God hears. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Pet. 3:12). He heard the groanings of the Jews in Egypt and sent Moses because He heard them. If He hears every idle word any man speaks (Matt. 12:36), how much more will He hear the sincere cries of His children today? His ears are always open to your prayers!
The living God smells. When Noah exited from the ark, he offered a multitude of sacrifices to God. “The Lord smelled a soothing aroma” (Gen. 8:21) and promised mankind He would never again destroy the earth by a flood. The smell of burning flesh, hairs and feathers might not be pleasing to us, but they are an aroma to God. Remember that your prayers are mixed with incense which comes into His presence (Rev. 8:3).
The living God touches and holds us with His hands. David cried out to God, “Stretch out Your hand from above, rescue me out of great waters” (Psa. 144:7). His hands made the heavens (Psa. 102:4) and how comforting it is to know that He holds us in His hands.
The living God has feet to move and to help. “Yes, He loves the people; All His saints are in Your hand; They sit down at Your feet; Everyone receives Your words” (Deut. 33:33). We must never forget that our God is omnipresent, and His feet are always with us.
Why would any person choose a lifeless idol!