The Second Commandment

The Second Commandment "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them." Exodus 20:4-5 God specifically defines the forbidden ways that were used to worship idols, and tells us the punishment that will be used if we disobey. Using anything, such as a statue or picture to represent God is expressly forbidden, as man is to bow down to, and serve God alone, and not transfer this honor to an image representing Him. In Exodus 20:23 He gave specific instructions to Moses, “Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.” He also tells us that if we persist in idol worship, He will not only punish us, but also our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. None of the other commandments give such detailed implications. In Leviticus 26:1 He again warns us “Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God.” God wants us to worship Him and Him alone. Our lives, our actions, our thoughts and our words should be intended to always be on Him. He should be first in our lives in everything we do. In our culture today, we see people having idols such as sport heroes, movie stars, popular singers, and often hobbies, that they worship, and devote all their time and talents towards, which leaves very little time for God. Our money, our material wealth can be so attractive, that we worship what we own so much that we forget about God. Although these are not idols of stone, we must be careful, and not make them things that we worship. God alone is who our worship should be directed toward, and anything that detracts from this can become an idol. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven​ April 2