Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
In the Old Testament, the faith that resided in the hearts of many of God's people was divided among many gods: Jehovah, Baal, Ashtoreth, Tammuz, etc. The overwhelming majority of those in covenant with God trusted and worshiped a multitude of gods; they believed in the power of those gods to control various aspects of their lives. This was the kind of thinking that ruined the ancient nation of Israel, and it grieved the heart of God.
That kind of thinking exists today among the people of God. The only difference is that now, instead of Jehovah being thought of as one God among many gods, most people believe that God is one of only two. The Creator God of the Bible is trusted as the God of all the good things that happen to us, and Satan is trusted as god over all the bad things that happen to us. Thus, the hearts of many believers today is still divided. They trust God to do good to them and trust the devil to do bad to them.
Do not think that you are innocent of idolatry just because you have not been carving on tree trunks lately. Idolatry is a disease, an invisible, spiritual disease. It divides the heart and infects the soul with fear of another, in addition to God. The devil couldn't care less whether or not you like him; it is your faith in God that he covets. And so, that he might steal a portion of that faith for himself, as he stole it from Eve in the Garden of Eden, he inspires Christian ministers to warn us that we should fear Satan's wicked power. Righteous men teach us to fear God, not the devil, for to fear God is to honor Him. And that sacred honor is what Satan has always envied. Do you honor Satan with faith to work his will in your life? Does he share in God's honor in your divided heart?
Guard your heart; beware of ministers of Satan who speak often of his power to afflict you and bring trouble into your life. Such authority over you does not exist, except in God. The fear of the Lord (alone) is "the beginning of wisdom". Your entire life is in His mighty hands. Knowing this, David pleaded with God to unite his heart so that he might fear none but Jehovah. He cried, "Unite my heart, O God, to fear thy name" (Ps. 86:11).
For that precious blessing of a united heart, all wise men still pray.