Deuteronomy 13.
THERE was the gravest danger that another should take the place of God in the hearts of those who professed to be His people, and He guards them against that in this chapter. They were bound by every tie to the true God, and it would take constant watchfulness against the wiles of Satan to keep out idolatry. Just so is it today, for Satan who came into the garden of Eden to tempt our first parents, is still doing his deadly work, though millions of people now have no images or idols, such as are spoken of in chapter 13.
Most people have what they call a religion, but not all of it will stand the test of verse 4. He who would persuade the people to turn away from the true God, to walk in other ways than what His word points out, was to be put to death, even though he came with signs, and foretold things which actually happened. This might seem hard, yet there was to be no compromise where God is concerned, not even where the dearest ones, —a brother, a son, a daughter, wife or friend,—should propose to give up the true God for some other name, some other object perhaps commonly sought after in the world (verse 7).
For even these, for whom, affection by the strong ties of nature would be strong, there could be no pity. In standing for God, and acting for Him, the ties of nature must be disregarded, and unsparing judgment should be visited; the leader in that solemn and heart-breaking step being the one from whom, if nature should decide, there should be pity, and protection.
Lastly, for every approach of idolatry is here guarded against—this departure from God might mark a whole city, a group or community, and not only individuals here and there; again there was to be no pity, no sparing hand. The city and all its inhabitants, its cattle even, was to be totally destroyed, nothing allowed to remain.
Idolatry is simply the taking by something or someone else, the place of God in the human heart. It does not need to be an image or idol to be prayed to, and given offerings.
Who or what is the center of your heart, my reader? Beware that it be not any substitute for the true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:1515This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)), and there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)). God demands your whole heart, young Christian; let not the world with its attraction win you from Him.
ML 11/23/1924