For you know that we dwelt in the land of Egypt and that we came through the nations which you passed by and you saw their abominations and their idols which were among them—wood and stone and silver and gold. (Deuteronomy 29:16-17)
Having lived in Egypt, Israel was well acquainted with idolatry. Entering into the land of Canaan would bring the people into contact with even more vile customs and habits. Therefore, Moses reminded them of what they had witnessed there and warned them of what they would be exposed to in Canaan. This scenario meant it was inevitable that some would be tempted to investigate and, unfortunately, fall into other foreign beliefs and philosophies.
In advance of this, Moses alerts the people to what these temptations consist of — “abominations and idols.” The Hebrew text offers a bit more insight into what these idols actually were, which I find quite interesting. The Hebrew words used here could be translated literally as “inanimate blocks.” Obviously, this refers to the fact that these so-called “gods” were merely blocks of wood or stone covered with precious metals such as gold and silver. But for all the glitz and glitter, one cannot change the fact that these idols were inanimate objects with no power whatsoever. In short, this is the ancient version of putting lipstick on a pig.
It may not be in your nature to bow down to a wooden idol, but it is the nature of us all to put on the best possible face and present an image to others — an image that is not always representative of reality. This is true in almost every aspect of life whether its business, politics — and unfortunately religion. In order to cover up the reality of things, we make superficial or cosmetic changes in a futile effort to try and disguise our fundamental failings. And while no one wants to put their personal business in the street for all to see — especially when it reveals our struggles with carnality — there is a responsibility to be honest with ourselves and with God.
Yes, we can fool people for a while but we can’t hide who and what we really are from God. Frankly, there is no need. We should come to Him humbly, broken and in acknowledgment of our weakness. When we do, He is faithful to forgive, heal and restore. So if you’ve been wearing a lot of lipstick lately, wipe it off and let him see the real you. More importantly, allow Him to transform you into the man or woman He truly sees — the one He ordained you to be.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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