In the book of Revelation, we are introduced to a future form of idolatry. Some of the predictions in John's apocalyptic vision make sense to the modern mind. But idol worship? Surely thoughtful men with an appreciation for science are beyond the appeal of idolatry. Idols are for superstitious souls who imagine misfortune as a sign the gods are angry. How is it that idolatry could make a big comeback in man's future?
Let's be clear about two things. First, the spirit of idolatry is found in self-worship. Isaiah got to the heart of the matter:
They worship the work of their hands,
That which their fingers have made (Isa. 2:8).
All idolatry is a form of self admiration in which one praises himself by praising his work. A man's accomplishment could be as simple as a stone image or something vastly more sophisticated. But regardless of an idol's form, idol worship is always self-worship.
Second, all idols have a down-side. They can't talk! The OT prophet Habakkuk found the fact that idols are dumb more than a little amusing:
"What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’ To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’ And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all inside it. But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him” (Hab. 2:18-20).
Men should be quiet and listen when God talks! But idols don't, so men have to do all the talking. This is definitely the downside to idolatry - a man ends up muttering to himself. The appeal of idolatry (self-praise) would surely go up if idols weren't mute. This is precisely what makes the "new idolatry" of Revelation an amazing innovation. Get ready for "idolatry reinvented." More tomorrow!
Comments