Zephaniah 1

Scripture Reading:  Read Zephaniah Chapter 1. 

Trading The Creator for Creation:

Zephaniah 1:5-6 – “Those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host, those who bow down and swear by the Lord and who also swear by Molek, those who turn back from following the Lord and neither seek the Lord nor inquire of him.”  (NIV)

I love my kids.  Though my kids are getting older, and my son is just about as tall as me, getting a hug from them is a highlight of my day.  It would be deeply hurtful if my kids stopped loving me and instead only stayed in contact with me to provide for their necessities in life.  This is what it's like when we worship the good things of creation rather than worshiping the creator. 

Several forms of Idolatry are mentioned here.  One that we commonly struggle with today is trading the creator for His creation.  We love the things that God creates—the mountains, relationships, and the goodness and joy that come from God.  But the truth is, we often stop pursuing the creator and only pursue His creation. 

The sad reality is that when we pursue creation, at some point, we will realize that God’s creation cannot produce joy or fulfillment in us.  God’s creation can become a god we serve, while all along, we are ignoring the God who has the power to create, save, and produce life within us.

What about you?  Are you pursuing the God who creates, or are you pursuing merely the things He has created? 

Prayer:  Forgive me, Lord, for the times I’ve pursued your creation instead of pursuing you.  Give me fulfillment and contentment in your salvation, love, and goodness.