1 Samuel 5.1-6; 6.11-16: Broken Idols
Idolatry is as old as the garden of Eden. Ever since Adam and Eve rebelled against God’s authority and gave in to the lies of Satan, humanity has been elevating themselves or other things over God–this is idolatry.
Apart from Christ, the human heart is a “perpetual factory of idols.” This week, our passage from 1 Samuel 5 & 6 showed us God’s superiority over all idols in marvelous display! When the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, it was placed in the temple of Dagon in order to symbolize the Philistine victory over the Israelites. Twice, the statue of Dagon fell before the Ark, the second time having both hands and head broken off.
And, as is beautifully, ironically often the case, the rest of the passage talks about God’s non-broken hand being over the Philistines and their land, inflicting illness and injury!
Today, the idolatry that tempts most students is more subtle than a golden statue, however. In fact, they (and we) are capable of making just about anything into an idol that takes our minds away from God. Anything that we prioritize over God, even good things like success and relationships, is an idol. Remember, we cannot claim to know God and worship idols, at least not for very long. God’s power and His glory will not allow it, as He alone is worthy of our worship.
Talk with your students this week and ask these questions:
- What makes up a lot of your thoughts? Is it good? Is it godly?
- What’s one characteristic of God that you always think about when you think about Him? How does that characteristic move you to worship Him?
- How does it make you feel knowing that God is in control, even when we feel like we have no control over anything?
Have a blessed week!
Cedar Creek Youth 