Since the earliest years of time, man has invented his own
gods, either out of ignorance of the true God or in rebellion against Him. Man has
offered his service and worship to these false gods, giving them of his wealth
and resources. He has made sacrifices to these gods, often of the most hideous
and unthinkable nature. Man has tried to gain the favor of these gods so that
his life would go well.
Perhaps the most incongruous aspect of false religion is
that man actually makes with his own hands the gods to whom he will give his
allegiance and worship. "Their idols
are silver and gold, the work of man's hands" (v. 4). Psalm 115 presents
the sad truth that these man-made false gods have absolutely no power.
"They have
mouths, but they cannot speak" (v. 5). These gods cannot communicate
anything to their worshipers, leaving men to guess as to what they should do
and leaving them in profound doubt and ignorance.
"They have eyes,
but they cannot see" (v. 5). These gods do not see what is happening
in a man's life, nor do they see the sacrifices he makes. Man's efforts are
vain, because the god he is trying to influence cannot even observe his actions.
"They have ears,
but they cannot hear" (v. 6). These gods cannot hear the spoken words
and desperate prayers of their followers. Much less can they hear the unspoken
outcries of the heart.
"They have noses,
but they cannot smell" (v. 6). These gods cannot smell the aroma of
the sacrifices, nor can they breathe one breath of air. These gods are
lifeless.
"They have hands,
but they cannot feel" (v. 7). These gods cannot do a single thing to
help those who worship them. They cannot uphold their worshippers, and they
cannot do any action on their behalves.
"They have feet,
but they cannot walk" (v. 7). These gods cannot even move themselves
from place to place. They remain stationary, utterly dependent for transport
upon the men who fashioned them.
"They cannot make
a sound with their throat" (v. 7). Beyond their inability to speak,
these gods cannot even make a sound. Perhaps this applies to gods in the form
of animals, but the bottom line is that these false gods cannot make even the
most insignificant expression of guidance or approval.
In summary, the false gods are totally worthless and
completely powerless. In their impotence, they leave their followers helpless
as well. "Those who make them will
become like them, everyone who trusts in them" (v. 8).
The true God is very different, infinitely superior in every
way. God speaks to His people through His Word and through His Holy Spirit,
telling them clearly what is important to Him and guiding them in their lives.
God sees every detail in the lives of His children, and He watches over them
every day. God hears the prayers of Christians, both those that are spoken and
those that remain in the heart. God breathes the aroma of spiritual sacrifices
and is pleased. God's hands have unlimited power, and He constantly works on
behalf of His followers both in routine and in miraculous ways. God has no restrictions
on His movements; He is everywhere. God humbles Himself to communicate with
those who are far below Him.
The true God is everything that the false gods could never
be. Because He exists of Himself, He is superior to man rather than inferior.
The only true God, the Creator and sustainer of the world, has total control. "But our God is in the heavens; He does
whatever He pleases" (v. 3).
The list of what God can do is limitless, but this psalm
does recount some things that God does for His people. He shows lovingkindness
(v. 1) and maintains truth (v. 1). He is a help and shield (v. 9-11) and is
worthy of trust (v. 9-11). He is mindful of His children (v. 12). He blesses
His followers (v. 12-13). God gives increase to His children and their families
(v. 14). He made the heaven and earth (v. 15). He gives the bounties of the
earth for the benefit of mankind (v. 16).
This powerful and living God does all these wonderful things
(and more) for His children for a far different reason than what is attributed
to false gods. God doesn't work and bless because His followers give their
money, cut their bodies, go through torture, choose deprivation, put their
lives at risk, or sacrifice their children. No, the true God blesses His
followers and does wonders for them because He loves them. It is His own heart
that dictates His actions, not the feeble attempts of man to influence Him.
I am so thankful that my God acts toward me in love. I am
thankful that I didn't have to create Him so I could have a divine source to
look to. I am thankful that God speaks to me and guides me. I am thankful that
God sees me every day, observing every need and every corner of my heart. I am
thankful that He hears and cares about my every prayer. I am thankful that my
God is living. I am thankful that my God can work on my behalf. I am thankful
that He is everywhere I go as well as everywhere that has influence on my life.
I am thankful that God clearly and effectively communicates with me.
What a blessing to know the true God! What a deliverance not
to be trapped in darkness and ignorance! What a privilege to belong to and to
serve the living God!
"But as for us,
we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD!"
(v. 18).
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