ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE UNTO IDOLS By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture: “They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’” (Exodus 32:8, NKJV).
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Introduction
In a world consumed by idolatry and spiritual adultery, this message calls for deep reflection and repentance. Many who claim to serve God have turned aside to false gods, worshiping idols crafted by their own hands and hearts. As God searches the land, His cry remains the same: "How long will My people forsake Me for idols?" This is a clarion call to abandon the paths of hypocrisy and return wholeheartedly to the Living God.
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Idolatry: The Cause of God’s Wrath
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened." — Romans 1:21
God’s people have turned away from Him, bowing to the gods of the world. They display outward signs of devotion but harbor idols in their hearts, vexing the Lord with falsehood. Instead of worshiping the Creator, they adore the creations of their hands, their possessions, and their own desires. God’s wrath is revealed against this spiritual adultery, and He calls His people to repentance.
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A Nation Gone A-Whoring
"You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." — James 4:4
The Lord laments over a nation that has prostituted itself to idols and false gods. Despite claiming allegiance to Him, His people persist in their sinful ways. Their love for worldly pleasures and defiance of His commands have estranged them from His presence. God’s jealousy burns hot as He witnesses the betrayal of those He redeemed.
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The Deception of Idol Worship
"You shall have no other gods before me." — Exodus 20:3
Idols are not limited to graven images. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives becomes an idol. The love of money, power, fame, and even self can lead to spiritual adultery. The Lord warns against Christianizing idols, making them appear acceptable while they remain detestable in His sight.
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God’s Jealousy for His People
"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." — Deuteronomy 4:24
The Lord’s jealousy is a holy and righteous passion for the loyalty and love of His people. He desires a relationship free of compromise. God’s people are called to walk uprightly and serve Him alone, forsaking all idols. True thankfulness stems from a heart wholly devoted to Him.
The Consequences of Spiritual Adultery
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 6:23
Spiritual adultery leads to destruction and despair. The Lord’s wrath will not be withheld from those who persist in idolatry. The judgment of God is evident in the ruins of idols and the desolation of those who trusted in them. Yet, His mercy awaits those who repent and turn back to Him.
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Call to Repentance
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14
The Lord is calling His people to repentance. Smash the idols in your life and return to the Living God. Acknowledge His sovereignty and commit to walking in His ways. True worship requires a heart fully surrendered to Him.
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Summary
God’s people have strayed far from Him, embracing idolatry and spiritual adultery. His wrath is poured out on a generation that has turned aside from the truth. Yet, He remains merciful to those who repent and forsake their idols. The Lord desires thankfulness, loyalty, and pure devotion from His people.
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Conclusion
In this season of judgment, let us examine our hearts and rid ourselves of anything that competes with God for our affection. The Lord is faithful to forgive and restore those who humble themselves before Him. He alone is worthy of our worship.
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Call to Action
Take a moment to identify the idols in your life. Pray earnestly for God’s help to overcome them. Commit to walking in obedience and faithfulness. Share this message with others and encourage them to turn back to the Lord.
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Final Word of Encouragement
The Lord delights in those who are true to Him. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." (Psalm 33:12). Remain steadfast in your faith and let your light shine in a dark and perverse generation. God’s mercy endures forever for those who trust in Him. Amen.
