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A UNITED HEART (II)
TUESDAY, MAY 11
Deuteronomy 6:4-5

1 Kings 18:17-40

 

“…if the LORD be God,

follow him…”

 

A UNITED HEART (II)
 
The need for a united heart is emphasized by the Lord Himself who said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other” (Matt 6:24). But there is a reason why Israel was charged by the prophet Hosea with having a divided heart; there is a reason why even God’s chosen nation was so strongly and so often drawn to the many altars and varied images of their pagan neighbours (Hosea 10:1-2).
 
In fact, the allure of idolatry lies precisely in its contradiction of the reality expressed in that famous declaration: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deut 6:4). If having one God means only one way to live, and only one proper object of devotion; then having many gods means many ways to live, and the luxury of choosing whatever life one desires. Do we not see this displayed in the idolatrous pantheons of ancient civilisations? For those who desired war and battle ‒ there was a god for that; they could worship him, and justify their violence. For those who desired lust and sensuality ‒ there was a god for that; they could worship him, and justify their promiscuity. For those who desired feasting and drunkenness ‒ there was a god for that; they could worship him, and justify their gluttony.
 
Yet the Lord’s words are perfectly true. There are only two masters: one is true, and the other false. One is the God of heaven and earth, the almighty Creator and God of truth; the other is the “god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), the “old serpent” (Rev 12:9; 20:2) and the father of lies (John 8:44).
 
Dear reader, in this age of “inclusion,” it is well for us to recognise that the one living and true God has an “exclusive” claim on our hearts and lives. After being told that “the LORD our God is one LORD,” Israel was commanded, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deut 6:4-5). And some centuries later, when they wavered in that commitment, they were chided, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kings 18:21).
 
THOUGHT: “No man can serve two masters” ‒ that includes me!

PRAYER: “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Ps 139:23)!

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