And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction.
Deuteronomy 7:26
When Israel was preparing to enter into the Promised Land, Moses gave her these instructions:
- Destroy the enemies of God.
- Be faithful to keep God’s commands and uphold your relationship with him.
- Do not follow after any idols or keep them—even for simple material gain.
God knew that the people of Israel would be tempted to chase after the false gods of Canaan. He wanted to warn them. In this chapter, he weaves a beautiful tapestry of promises around his character, reminding Israel of his love for her, his faithfulness to those who submit to him, and of his wrath over sin. He wants Israel to demonstrate faithfulness, maturity, and love for him.
We are not Israel, but we are God’s people. And we live in a land not unlike Canaan. When you go out into the world, do you see the rampant idolatry for what it is, and do you fight it? Do you ever bring those idols into your home? Are they already there?
God wants us to pursue covenant faithfulness towards him. It’s challenging. We need to be vigilant. We need to ask him to help us “detest and abhor” the terrible things which this world worships. Will you do so? Will you set aside these idols?
The “Isolation Introspection” series started as an opportunity for me to encoruage members of our Bible Study with daily reflections from the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan during the 2020 “Stay at Home” mandate in Los Angeles. I’ve moved them here so that they can be shared easily, and perhaps benefit others. I hope you enjoy!
The Dionne Family 