I Can’t Sit Down
Photo by Levi Guzman on Unsplash
In Genesis 31, we see Jacob, his wives, Leah and Rachel, all their children, and all their possessions returning to Canaan, the land of his forefathers after his father-in-law Laban’s repeated deceit. On their way, Laban overtakes them, and demands return of his gods. Indignant, Jacob asserts innocence and welcomes Laban to search everything he has unaware Rachel has taken Laban’s “household gods”.
Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them in the camel's saddle and sat on them. Laban felt all about the tent, but did not find them. (Genesis 31:34 ESV)
I found this surprising. The grandson of Abraham – the man God spoke to directly - didn’t know his wife was worshipping false gods? Apparently, Jacob needed to ask his wife a few questions.
Why would Rachel want to worship anything she could ‘sit on’?
Definition: God [god] noun
1. Omniscient
2. Omnipresent
3. Omnipotent
4. Can’t sit on Him…
Why would anyone want to worship something so worthless, so powerless, so inert?
Why do we worship things so worthless, powerless, and inert and try to get something from nothing?
Idol Worship
If you are like me, the temptation to make gods out of things we can ‘sit on’ is great. When stressors of life start to overwhelm, the desire to escape and find comfort – and find it fast - is powerful. It is all around us and easily accessible. Much like the household gods probably were for Rachel. We think we can easily find comfort in:
Relationships
Shopping
Binge Social Media/TV
Food
Alcohol/Drugs
Workaholism
Etc.
They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slave of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
(2 Peter 2:19 ESV)
But what do these false gods do for us? Temporary placation - or worse? Did it ever cross Rachel’s mind her gods really weren’t God and had no real power? Did she even know of the One True God?
What’s my excuse? I know the One True all-powerful God. The One who has proved Himself faithful time and time again. The One who has saved me from myself and a thousand other bad decisions. Yet during trials, I still can find myself drawn to the tangibles - trying to fill the emptiness or quell the fear with ‘gods I can sit on’ - and sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it until much later -facepalm!
I don’t want to sit down. I want to stand in the freedom and victory and power God Almighty died to give me and promises when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in these temporary bodies (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19)!
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
(1 John 5:4 ESV)
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, You have given all for me and I am humbled and in awe of You. You offer limitless peace, comfort, and strength and I confess my tendency at times to look elsewhere for only what You can give. Please help me seek You first, the Lover of my Soul, and not empty, useless, earthly things. Thank You for Your power and might and mercy you show your children. You are the One True God and are worthy of all worship, honor, and praise. In the precious name of our King Jesus, Amen.
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