Worthless Pursuits, Deaf Idols - Psalms 114-116

 Psalms 115:4-8 (ESV Strong's)

4 Their idols are silver and gold,

the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but do not speak;

eyes, but do not see.

6 They have ears, but do not hear;

noses, but do not smell.

7 They have hands, but do not feel;

feet, but do not walk;

and they do not make a sound in their throat.

8 Those who make them become like them;

so do all who trust in them.

Worthless Pursuits, Deaf Idols

There problem with a mansion on the ocean is that it does absolutely nothing for you if you are told you have terminal cancer.  The problem with having expensive cars is that they can’t being you relief when you have lost your spouse, or child.   The problem with large bank accounts is that they can’t get your child our of addictive behavior.   The problem with silver and gold is that you can talk to it, but it won’t talk back to comfort you.   It can’t even sympathize with your circumstances.   Yes, of course, you can use silver and gold to purchase something to give you temporary relief from pain, angst and depression.  But, they have no healing power.  They have no power to restore.   Notice, however, Christ’s offering to us:

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV Strong's)

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

This is what the author of Psalm 115 is speaking to us.   It is only God who can give us relief from our many woes and ills.  He starts the song like this:

Psalms 115:1 (ESV Strong's)

To Your Name Give Glory

1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory,

for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

God deserves our praise and all the glory.   For it is His steadfast love and faithfulness that sustain us during times of disaster and ill:

Psalms 91:3-6 (ESV Strong's)

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his pinions,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

5 You will not fear the terror of the night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

We do not fear these things because “his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.”   Talk to your silver and gold and see if they can say that and give you comfort.