-
You Become Like What You Worship
Human beings are created to worship the Creator. The psalms in particular are replete with calls for all of mankind to worship the Creator (cf. Pss 66:4; 95:6; 99:5; 150:6). But, as Paul points out, it is part of fallen humanity’s penchant to exchange the truth about God for a lie and worship creation rather than the Creator (Rom 1:22-25). This idolatrous worship practice can take place in many ways. Buddhism, Hinduism, and many African religions are examples of pagan idolatry. Even secularism, which claims to be empty of all religious components, takes the form of idolatry by replacing God with the autonomous self. Idolatry at its core is the epitome of human pride, arrogance, and foolishness. Psalm 115 on Worship and Idolatry Psalm 115 gives insightful commentary on the subject of idolatry and worship. Psalm 115 depicts the false idols who have mouths, eyes, ears, noses, and hands; yet,…
-
Psalms in Jonah 2
Sometimes we have the tendency to forget that the characters in the Bible had access to Scripture. If we are observant, we often see biblical characters relying on, and trusting in God’s written word. In particular, the book of Psalms is often referred to. Psalms have always been a favorite for the people of God. Although we see this all over the New Testament, the Old Testament has some pertinent examples of this as well. Take the story of Jonah. Having been thrown into the sea and finding himself in the belly of a big fish, what was his response? His first response was to come before the Lord in prayer. What it most interesting to me is that his prayer (which is recorded in Jonah 2) has many allusions and quotations from specific psalms. I think the following are four examples where Jonah shows knowledge of (and reliance on) the…