Read Genesis 35: 1 – 15
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments. Genesis 35:2 KJV
Jacob’s life was not right with God; other gods had made their way into his household. Some may have dated back to when Jacob left Laban’s house, for Rebekah had taken the family idols at that time. It is hard to imagine how a man who had strong encounters with God could allow idolatry into his life, but it is a danger which still confronts God’s people. The New Testament is full of warnings against it because it is a real temptation to us. Idolatry doesn’t have to take the form of an object; it can be anything we look to and depend on rather than God. As with Jacob, whenever we compromise with the world idols and filthy garments will be part of the price we pay. If Jacob was going to get right with God again it meant the idols had to be put away, the filthy garments put off, and new garments put on. That message never changes; restoration still requires the same actions.
Lord, as with Jacob, you continue to be long-suffering with us. Even when you have worked dramatically in our lives we tend to drift away from you. Thank you for not giving up on us, and for making restoration available to us.
A question to ponder: Since it is not necessary for idols to come in the form of shaped wood or stone, what are some of the most deceptive idols which trap God’s people today?
