Rightly Representing God

The Lord says, “You shall not make for yourself a carved image. Any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them nor serve them for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” [1]

The Lord opposes the creating, worshiping and serving of gods made by humans.

The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus come to mind. Why do some “Christians” allow these false images to infiltrate our services on holy days set aside for the worship of Christ’s resurrection and His incarnation? What about Halloween? It seems to be more eagerly and highly celebrated in the USA now than Christian holy days.

What about our modern images of Jesus Christ? Do they line up with Scripture?

This morning I read portions of Hosea’s prophecy and of John’s Gospel.

The Lord laments over His people’s religion saying, “They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them.” [2] People were not consulting with God when it came to appointing people to lead them. God’s will for their lives was not included.

“They do not direct their deeds toward turning to their God, for the spirit of harlotry is in their midst, and they do not know the Lord.” “Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them because they have transgressed against Me! Though I redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against Me.” [3] The Lord paid a heavy price to redeem us from our sin. Are we as His representatives being careful to represent Him as He is?

“None among them calls upon Me.” Are we praying to Him? Are we repenting of our own ways, and asking for His ways? Are we saying like John the Baptist did, “He [Jesus] must increase, I must decrease.” [4]

“I have hewn them by the prophets, I have slain them by the Words of My mouth; and your judgments are like light that goes forth. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” “The world… hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” [5] God’s Word rightly spoken slays sin, and points to every person’s need for the Savior from sin.

“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” [6] Our Lord Jesus sought the glory of His Father. He judged righteously.

Some who heard Jesus speak, said of Him, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But those who were propagating a false narrative about God and Messiah accused Jesus of being a deceiver, and wanted to arrest, and kill Him. [7]

Jesus Christ is the rightful representation of God. “He is the image of the invisible God.” “[He is] the express image of His [God’s] person and upholding all things by the Word of His power.” “The testimony of Jesus is Spirit of prophecy.” [8]

Now is the time that each of us needs to ask the Lord to forgive us for the times that we have misrepresented Him and joined with others who are doing it flagrantly. Now is the time to ask the Lord to reveal Himself to us just as He did to His holy prophets and apostles, and then, ask Him for the courage to stand with Him, and speak for Him, just as He did, and just as His disciples in the Bible did.

The Jesus that is revealed in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is One who warns against dead works, sin, and calls people to prepare for His everlasting kingdom which is destined to replace all the kingdoms of this world. [9]

It is good news that there is one way to the Father. There is no other name than the Name of Jesus by which we can be saved. He saves us by leading us to repent of our sins, believe in Him, and to receive His Holy Spirit. [10]

[1] Exodus 20:4-6
[2] Hosea 8:4
[3] Hosea 5:4; 7:13
[4] Hosea 7:7; John 3:30
[5] Hosea 6:5-6; John 7:7
[6] John 7:18; 24
[7] John 7:40-41; John 7:1, 12, 30
[8] Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 19:10
[9] Revelation 1:1; 11:15
[10] John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Acts 2:38-39