The existence of ancestor worship
Allow me to share a brief anecdote that will shed light on the topic I am about to discuss in this blog post. On a particular occasion, I attended a sendoff party where an interesting incident occurred. During the meal, I found myself seated near a gentleman whose actions surprised me. Whenever he opened a beverage, he would pour a portion of it onto the ground before taking a sip or pouring it into a glass. Initially, I assumed there might have been an issue with the bottle's cap. However, this behavior continued with each subsequent bottle he opened. To my astonishment, he followed the same ritual when it came to the meal itself.
After the party concluded, I felt compelled to inquire about this intriguing behavior. I approached my brother-in-law and posed my questions. To my surprise, he explained that it was a form of ancestor worship. The man poured the drink onto the ground because he believed it was necessary to honor his ancestors before consuming food or beverages. Curiously, I asked if the man identified as a Christian. My brother-in-law informed me that he was a devout Catholic. I then questioned why he didn't believe that the sacrifice of Christ was sufficient and why he didn't worship the one true God exclusively. In response, my brother-in-law revealed that some individuals, despite their belief in Christ, still practiced ancestor worship. It was difficult for me to comprehend. Even as Christians, we sometimes cling to our old traditions, remaining lukewarm in our faith. I couldn't help but wonder what God might think of this situation.
According to biblical teachings, the worship of ancestors or any other entities besides the one true God is considered idolatry. The Bible contains several verses that explicitly condemn the worship of idols and the seeking of guidance or blessings from anyone other than God. For example, in the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments given to Moses include the commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3). This commandment emphasizes the exclusive worship of God and prohibits the veneration of any other deities, including ancestral spirits. Additionally, passages such as Isaiah 44:9-20 and Jeremiah 10:1-16 denounce the creation and worship of idols, emphasizing that they are powerless and unworthy of worship. These teachings emphasize that God alone is the creator, sustainer, and object of worship.
From a biblical perspective, practicing ancestor worship would be seen as a departure from the teachings of Christianity, which place emphasis on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, rather than seeking guidance or blessings from deceased ancestors.
In today's reflection, we look at a powerful message about God's victory over other gods and the importance of making the right choices in our service to Him. Many believers remain skeptical of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God they claim to have chosen and believed in. Despite their professed faith, doubts remain, and they continue to hold onto their old beliefs, heavily relying on other gods. Through a thorough examination of the Bible, I hope to demonstrate how the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of the Bible—has triumphed over the gods in which they have chosen to believe and rely. Let us investigate the Word of God in greater depth.
The Challenge of Divided Hearts
While some may refuse to recognize or believe in the existence of other gods, the Bible unambiguously acknowledges the presence of numerous gods worshipped by people. These include the religious and tribal gods that humans worship. Even Christians who profess faith in Christ's church can become entangled in beliefs about other gods. Despite accepting faith in Christ Jesus, they remain loyal to ancient gods and spirits, refusing to make a firm decision on whom to place their trust.
The Book of Exodus paints a vivid picture of this struggle. The Israelites, recently freed from Egyptian bondage, had witnessed the mighty acts of their God, Yahweh (Exodus 14:31). Yet, their hearts remained divided. We see this in Exodus 32:1-4, where, in Moses' absence, they resort to crafting a golden calf, a physical representation of a pagan god, to appease their anxieties.
This episode emphasizes the human tendency to cling to familiar, if false, comforts. Even among believers, doubt can creep in, prompting us to seek "other gods" - metaphorical idols that promise security or power. These can take the form of materialism, unhealthy relationships, or even the pursuit of worldly success at the expense of our spiritual health.
But the Bible is clear: there is only one God worthy of our worship (Isaiah 43:10-11). Psalm 86:9 declares, "All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name." Throughout history, the one true God has demonstrated His power over all rivals. He conquered the Egyptian gods through plagues and parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14). He continues to triumph over the idols we may hold dear, offering us a path towards true liberation.
Through today’s blog post, I wish to demonstrate that the gods and beliefs they associate with Christ have already proven futile and lack strength. They cannot compare to the living God, whom we extol for His boundless riches and wonders. By continuing to adhere to these gods and beliefs, one risks missing the opportunity to inherit the heavenly kingdom of God. Through Christ, we have been liberated from these gods and alternative faiths.
The Evidence of God's Victory
The history of God's interventions is a testament to His unrivaled supremacy. He liberated the Israelites through plagues and parted the Red Sea, demonstrating His power over the Egyptian gods (Exodus 14). In the same way, Christ, the living embodiment of God, offers us liberation from the bondage of these false gods. Through His sacrifice, we are granted the opportunity to inherit the heavenly kingdom, a truth beautifully captured in John 14:6, where Jesus proclaims, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Examples of God's Supremacy
Exodus 12:12: This verse transcends the mere defeat of the Egyptians; it becomes a cosmic showdown between the one true God and the pantheon of Egyptian deities. God not only conquered the Egyptians but also overcame the gods of Egypt, demonstrating Himself as the living God of gods and the Lord of lords. Imagine the terror gripping the Egyptians as their own gods, supposedly all-powerful guardians, crumble before the might of Yahweh. This wasn't just a military victory; it was a theological one. The plagues that ravaged Egypt weren't random misfortunes; they were targeted demonstrations of God's power over nature itself, a power no Egyptian god could rival. This episode holds immense significance for us today. The gods and spirits of our ancestors have already failed and no longer hold dominion over us. We are free to embrace the boundless love and power of the one true God, the Lord of Lords.
1 Samuel 5:1-5: God waged war against the Philistines and vanquished their god, Dagon. The story in 1 Samuel 5:1-5 serves as a powerful illustration of God's unmatched power and jealousy for His glory. When the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, they placed it arrogantly beside their idol, Dagon (v. 2). But the consequence was swift and devastating. Dagon was found mysteriously toppled face down before the Ark (v. 3). This wasn't a coincidence; it was a deliberate act by God, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over lesser deities. The God of Heaven cannot be compared to the idols crafted by human hands. He is not a mere member of a pantheon of gods, but rather the one and only true God, the "God of gods" (Deuteronomy 10:17). Isaiah 42:8 declares, "I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols." To attempt to equate Him with other gods is to court disaster. Throughout history, God has shown His jealousy for His rightful place as the sole object of our worship. By destroying Dagon, He sent a clear message to the Philistines, and by extension, to all who might consider placing another god on His throne.
In Isaiah 21:9, we witness a powerful image - God overcame the Babylonians and their gods. This event serves as a powerful reminder that the gods worshipped by many cultures, no matter how elaborate their temples or fervent their devotion, are ultimately powerless against the one true God. Throughout the Bible, we see this truth play out again and again. From the plagues unleashed upon Egypt (demonstrating dominance over their gods) to the fall of Jericho (whose walls crumbled before the true God), the message is clear: there is only one God with ultimate authority. No one can defeat our God in heaven; He reigns supreme. Therefore, let us abandon any reliance on these false idols and recognize the absolute sovereignty of our God who reigns supreme in heaven.
Matthew 12:28-29 tells us that Jesus, through His authority, cast out demons, proving His power over the evil one and his domain. This act foreshadowed the ultimate victory He would achieve on the cross. There, through the precious blood He shed (1 Corinthians 11:25), Jesus secured our redemption and liberation from the clutches of the wicked one (Colossians 2:14-15). Do demons or spirits from hell whisper anxieties, tempting you to seek solace in powerless idols or appease them with empty rituals? Find solace in this truth: Jesus' sacrifice was sufficient. Romans 8:35-39 assures us that no tribulation, hardship, persecution, famine, danger, or sword can separate us from the all-encompassing love of God in Christ Jesus. We are free indeed, not just from the bondage of sin, but also from the tyranny of fear and the allure of false solutions.
Why Choose One God?
Psalm 86:8 beautifully captures the incomparable nature of our God: "There is none like you among the gods, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours." These aren't mere words; they are a testament to the overwhelming power and majesty of the one true God. The "gods" and "spirits" worshipped by others throughout history are but figments of human imagination, powerless idols that crumble in the face of the divine.
Psalm 96:4 rings with a truth that resonates throughout scripture: "The Lord is great and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods." This verse underscores the incomparable nature of our God. He is not merely one amongst many deities, but the singular source of all power and glory. Unlike the pantheon of gods worshipped by ancient cultures, each vying for recognition, our God demands – and deserves – our undivided adoration.
Throughout Psalms 95:3, 97:7, and 135:5, God receives praise and glory.
God's Continuing Victory
In the present day, the echoes of God's boundless power continue to resonate. Even now, miracles unfold as demons are cast out in the name of Jesus Christ, the very name that sends shivers down the spines of these lesser beings (James 2:19). The sick are miraculously healed, their bodies renewed as a testament to God's dominion over physical ailments (Acts 3:1-10). Most importantly, countless individuals are saved from the clutches of darkness, finding redemption and a welcoming embrace into God's eternal kingdom (John 3:16).
This begs a critical question: Which God will you choose to dedicate your faith to? Will you align yourself with the one true God, the source of all creation, the mighty force who conquers not just physical enemies but also spiritual ones? Or will you cling to deities that have consistently displayed their powerlessness throughout history, both in the face of the one true God (as demonstrated in Exodus 12:12) and in their inability to deliver the blessings and salvation offered by the Almighty?
The choice is clear. Choose the God whose love is boundless, whose power is unmatched, and whose victory is everlasting. Choose the God who offers not just a temporary reprieve but eternal life in His kingdom.
But this call to choose a God isn't a new one. Following their exodus from Egypt and on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, Joshua, the successor to Moses, addressed the Israelites with a similar challenge. We find this pivotal moment in Joshua 24:15, where he declares, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the Lord, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua reminds the Israelites of all God has done for them – their liberation from Egypt, and their provision during their desert wanderings. He doesn't force a decision, but presents a stark contrast: the one true God, the source of their blessings, or the powerless idols of the past.
The choice we face today mirrors the one presented to the Israelites. Will we choose the God who offers us not just temporary victories but eternal life? Or will we be swayed by fleeting promises of earthly fulfillment?
Choosing the One True God
Do you truly wish to align yourself with those who cling to demonstrably vanquished gods? The Bible offers a stark warning in Jeremiah 17:5: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord." The choice before us is clear, echoing the wisdom of Joshua in Joshua 24:15: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua, a leader who witnessed God's mighty acts firsthand, urges us to make a decisive choice.
Remember, the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:24 hold true: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." The God of Heaven, the source of all creation and the embodiment of perfect love, desires a singular devotion from His followers. He longs for a genuine relationship built on trust and obedience. The choice is ours: to serve the one true God who offers everlasting victory or to chase after fleeting idols that ultimately fail us.
What steps should you take to Strengthen Your Faith?
- Dismantle the Idols Within: Identify and eliminate attachments to false gods (Deuteronomy 32:17).
- Renounce and Refocus: Make a conscious decision to turn away from these idols and commit to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Romans 12:2).
- Seek His Presence: Develop a deeper connection through prayer and Bible study (Psalms 23, Matthew 7:7).
- Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Learn about Jesus and God's victories throughout history (John 1:1-4, Exodus 14, 1 Kings 18).
- Share the Victory: As you experience the triumph of God in your life, share the truth with others. Be a living testament to His power and faithfulness. Encourage them to turn away from false gods and embrace the God who has proven Himself victorious. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
These steps are a roadmap, not a rigid checklist. The most important element is a genuine desire to turn towards the one true God and experience the victory He offers.
Remember, God's triumph over other gods is not merely a historical event but a present reality. He continues to demonstrate His power and authority over all competing beliefs and spirits. By choosing to align ourselves with the one true God, we partake in His victory and experience the fullness of His blessings.
Because of His love on Calvary, I am forever a secured package,
Rumishael Ulomi
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