Text: Deuteronomy 4:1-31
The book of Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of Moses, which are called the Pentateuch, the foundation for all of Scripture. Deuteronomy is written just before Moses died; just before Israel entered the Promised Land.
Part of this “sermon” is a warning to the people. If they fail to serve Yahweh alone; if they worship false gods, then they will be cast out of the land. One form of idolatry is using one’s God-given skills to make an image for worship.
Work then becomes false worship; and work leads to condemnation.
When Jesus entered the Temple and cleared out the “market place” that
vendors had turned it into (John 2), He was fighting against idolatry. These people who had the God-given skill of trade were worshipping and serving money, which is idolatry. If a skilled accountant manipulates the books so that she gets extra money, she is committing idolatry. If a builder uses poor quality materials but still charges full price, he is committing idolatry. If you make a talisman because a witchdoctor tells you to, that is idolatry, and you have used your skill to worship the devil. When you use your God-given talents to indulge in corruption and deceit, you are committing idolatry. Please, use your skills honestly so that your work is worship.
Meditate on verse 27-28. How are you going to respond to it?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, forgive us as a nation for we have
worshiped idols. Cleanse us with the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen