… gods made with hands are not gods.- Acts 19:26
Genesis opens, "In the beginning, God…." The gospel of John begins with these words, "In the beginning was the Word…." (later identifying Jesus as the Word). God reveals himself to us in many ways - in nature, through creation, in the uniqueness of human life, in a loving act.
Specifically, he reveals himself in scripture. Ultimately and fully, he has revealed himself to us in and through Jesus Christ.
Nowhere in scripture however, is God explained. He is described in multiple ways, but never explained. As for his origin, he is the one who has always been. Moses asked God his name. When commanded to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of Israel from Egyptian slavery, Moses said, (paraphrased) "they will ask me the name of this God… what do I tell them is your name?" "God said to Moses, 'I AM Who I AM. Say this to the people… I AM has sent me…'" (Exodus 3:14).
gods made with hands pass; (yes, I realize I just started the sentence without capitalization). They become tainted or decay. They lose power - or are revealed for the powerless frauds they truly are. gods made with hands have origin and expiration. They have a shelf life. They are unworthy of worship.
Handmade gods come in many shapes and forms. They are not all easily identifiable golden calves. They take the form of stock portfolios, philosophical constructs, religion, relationships, reflections in the mirror; on and on. Handmade gods are sometimes blatant, but often subtle. Many wonderful things become ugly when they are exalted to godhood (god-ness?).
Each of us has some handmade Gods. Commandment #1: "You shall have no other gods before (beside) me," (Exodus 20:3). The one true God is not threatened by a little competition. It's not that. He knows that handmade gods are detrimental to us in so many ways.
The I AM has no origin. He has no expiration. He is the God who has always been and who always will be. Yet he is not the God of the past or the future. He is always the God of the present. I AM.
This is powerfully comforting. Handmade gods often work in our favor for a while. But even then, leave us somehow empty and wanting. Ultimately they prove themselves to be powerless and draining. The God WHO IS, is always present. He is always powerful. He is always in love with us.
...gods made with hands are not gods. God IS…
God, thank you for being real and present, powerful and gracious… thank you that You Are.
For now...
D
