Try not to gloss over this verse
Not an Idol
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For [the LORD] is great, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but [the LORD] made the heavens.
Psalm 96:4-5 (WEB)
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It’s tempting to think that we’re sooooo much more sophisticated than those ancient peoples who worshipped idols.
We’ve obviously got it all figured out, right?
Well, you and I both know that’s not true.
The idols of today are more subtle:
It could be sports, or movie stars, or influencers, or maybe your favorite politician.
Or a thing like money, power, status, etc.
The common thing that makes any of these things idols?
They replace the Lord God as number one.
That’s the essence of the first two commandments: no god before the Lord and no graven image.
It’s a mockery of the great and powerful Lord who made the heavens and the earth.
Those worthless idols — whether they are people, things, or tiny little statues — have no power. No matter how hard someone prays to them, they cannot hear.
Even if they could hear, they couldn’t do anything.
Only the Lord, who loves us, hears our prayers AND has the power to affect change.
Try not to gloss over today’s verse.
Take a second and ask yourself if there’s anything other than God that’s number one?
If there is, I can almost guarantee the Holy Spirit will reveal it. Then you can repent and make a change.
If not, then take some time to thank God for His mighty power and grace.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.