What Trees Can Teach Us About God and His KingdomНамуна

Worshiping trees instead of God?

Throughout history, people have made and worshiped idols. These could take many different forms, but in the Old Testament we frequently read about wooden statues, pillars or trees that were worshiped instead of the true God, or of people sacrificing to idols “under every green tree”.

On the one hand, biblical prophets mock these practices. Bowing down before a block of wood that you shaped into a nice figure, clearly shows a lack of knowledge and discernment. As Jeremiah exclaims: “They are both stupid and foolish; the instruction of idols is but wood!” (Jeremiah 10:8 ESV).

On the other hand, serving idols instead of God is a very serious sin. Despising your Creator and worshiping a piece of wood instead, clearly evokes God’s wrath. The Lord hates that (Deuteronomy 16:21-22). And this is not limited to the worship of wooden figures or special trees. It involves everything we deem more important than God — be it money, sex, our career, happiness… If these things have the first place in our lives, they take the place that God deserves. That way, things that are good in themselves can turn into idols. And the Lord doesn’t take that lightly, He describes himself as “a jealous God” who demands our full devotion.

Are there any ‘idols’ in your life that hold you back from serving and loving the Lord wholeheartedly?