22Claiming to be wise, they became fools; 23and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. (Romans 1:22,23)
Thoughts: Usually an image or idol is justified as "simply a tool to worship god." Often such tools become objects of worship and superstition (as the snake that Moses raised in the desert did later). Such superstitions take away from God's true glory and distorts the simple vision of Him in life. Luther used to say that the organ of the Reformation was not the eye but the ear. An eye freezes the reality for a minute and keeps us from seeking the whole picture- much as a picture of a landscape only freezes a small section for a small period of time. God wants us to appreciate His infinite and eternal self whose majesty far exceeds our small expectations and pictures.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love shown to us in the exact representation of your being- Jesus. Help me to seek all of you with all of me.
Q & A 96
Q. What is God’s will for us in the second commandment?
A. That we in no way make any image of God1 nor worship him in any other way than has been commanded in God’s Word.2
1 Deut. 4:15-19; Isa. 40:18-25; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:22-23
2 Lev. 10:1-7; 1 Sam. 15:22-23; John 4:23-24
2 Lev. 10:1-7; 1 Sam. 15:22-23; John 4:23-24
Q & A 97
Q. May we then not make any image at all?
A. God can not and may not be visibly portrayed in any way. Although creatures may be portrayed, yet God forbids making or having such images if one’s intention is to worship them or to serve God through them.1
Q & A 98
Q. But may not images be permitted in churches in place of books for the unlearned?
A. No, we should not try to be wiser than God. God wants the Christian community instructed by the living preaching of his Word—1 not by idols that cannot even talk.2
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