Isaiah 44:9-20 (ESV)
All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his companions shall be put to shame, and the craftsmen are only human. Let them all assemble, let them stand forth. They shall be terrified; they shall be put to shame together.
The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint. The carpenter stretches a line; he marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes and marks it with a compass. He shapes it into the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to dwell in a house. He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the trees of the forest. He plants a cedar and the rain nourishes it. Then it becomes fuel for a man. He takes a part of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread. Also he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it. Half of it he burns in the fire. Over the half he eats meat; he roasts it and is satisfied. Also he warms himself and says, “Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire!” And the rest of it he makes into a god, his idol, and falls down to it and worships it. He prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
They know not, nor do they discern, for he has shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand. No one considers, nor is there knowledge or discernment to say, “Half of it I burned in the fire; I also baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and have eaten. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”
In this passage it is easy to take the carnal view and say that idolatry is literally bowing down to a physical object but to the spiritually discerning there is far more to be gleaned. The key to understanding the spiritual message behind this passage is in the action words and the mental state of the person spoken about. This is a battle for the soul. The Greek word translated into "soul" in The Bible is "psyche." The battle for the soul takes place in the mind. That which has a hold on your mind will manifest in the flesh in either a direct or indirect form. Christ Yahshua speaks of this in the book of Matthew:
You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Matthew 5:27-29 (BSB)
What Yahshua is speaking of here is the mental state of the person and how it influences his actions or behavior. He isn't saying to literally gouge out your eye. What he means is if you are lusting in your mind based on what you see then cut your mind off from that which you see. Sever the lust. However we must be ever diligent in discerning just how our subconscious life influences our conscious life for it is not always so cut-and-dry. It is not always an obvious cause-and-effect reaction. What we feed ourselves with spiritually, be it movies, music, holidays or traditions, these things effect us sometimes in unpredictable or unseen ways. And sometimes these effects can seem quite normal, especially if we have become used to seeing them in our peers.
Don’t learn the way of the nations...For the customs of the peoples are vanity.
Jeremiah 10:2-3 (WEB)
We must be aware of what we are participating in at all times. Our discernment cap must be on every waking and sleeping moment. Put on the FULL armor of God and don't ever take it off. The spiritual battle does not cease even when you close your eyes. You are not safe from evil influence even in the company of loved ones (especially so).
Another Scripture that explains the nature of idolatry, one that is often quoted as speaking of a Christmas tree, is Jeremiah 10. This passage is NOT specifically referring to a Christmas tree but rather the practice of shaping a tree into the shape of a man and bowing down to it. I will agree that it sounds like a "Christmas" tree but spiritual discernment is required to grasp its full meaning. If taken in the light of what was discussed above one can see that it is not necessarily the literal act that the focus of this chapter is set on but rather the heart of the matter, an affinity for the works of man, which gives rise to all sorts of idolatrous practices. Idolatry is essentially cutting one's self off from godliness (like the tree) and erecting himself as ruler of his life (in your own "house" instead of the house of God). It is this desire for control that pulls one away from godliness and often leads to the desire to control not only one's own life but the lives of others as well. Similarly, and what we see happening more and more these days, is the worship of the creation over the Creator. It is nothing new. Since the beginning of paganism people have worshiped mankind in terms of humanitarianism, technical progress, the planet we live on, what it provides and its processes, and the universe we reside within including the sun, which supplies the light necessary for life, and the stars, which give us a view into the mysteries of the cosmos. This is really another form of man-centered worship. We strive to rise above the heights of the clouds, to explore the heavens with our own contrived methods of power in the form of science and technology. Isaiah 14 and Romans 1 speak of this:
"How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! "But you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'"
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions...And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind...proud...undiscerning...that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Godliness comes only from God. Yahweh is the provider of spiritual life and no one gets it unless they come to Him by His Son. He is in control and we must surrender to Him in order to find true fulfillment and liberty by His infinite power. All other paths lead to enslavement and spiritual death no matter how much they are wrapped up in pretty packages to look like freedom, for our powers are severely limited, even collectively. No matter how pleasurable or convincing the things of the world are, do not be deceived. Herein lies the next greatest downfall of man aside from the desire for universal domination: the desire for complete comfort and pleasure at all times - the very peak of lustful pride. In this desire we find many traditions of men abounding in the world, traditions that often times look godly but indeed have a sinister underbelly.
In looking closer at the passage in Isaiah we can find this same meaning. "All who fashion idols and the things they delight in..." This is speaking of the works of one's own hands to bring pleasure and satisfaction instead of looking to God for provision. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, "Vanity...all is vanity."
"The craftsman are only human." This means that the works of man's hands are far less than what God can create and provide. Our hands and actions need to be guided by God if we are to achieve anything worthwhile. "He fashions it with his strong arm..." that is his right arm (a symbol of strength to be executed in physical form - which is seen in the mark of the beast "...on their right hand or on their foreheads"). Likewise, the mark in the forehead is the state of the soul, or psyche ie; the seat of the mind - one's character, judgment, emotions and desires. When one gives into their own lusts and desires he becomes a slave to them. He essentially "falls down" to them as idols not only in mind but in body. The fall rests solely in the choice to disobey the voice of God, either by being deceived to follow another voice (that may sound like God) or through laziness or conscious free will.
Furthermore, it is apparent that giving thanks and praise to the One True God who DID provide the rain for the tree to grow, the animal to live that is given for meat, and the grain for making bread, is not even considered in the mind of the person described in the Isaiah passage. And he doesn't ASK God how this provision should be used either. Instead he warms himself and says, "Aha! I am warm and have seen the fire...Deliver me, for you are my god!" One does not have to literally declare a log or a tree to be their god in order for it to be so. It is the spirit of self-satisfaction that becomes the idol which can come from or manifest into physical form though a person's actions, eventually becoming a practice and finally a habit. Anything that is revered enough, showed enough attention and made a focal point of one's life lends itself to becoming an idol. So how much do you consider what God is trying to say to you? Once a day in prayer? Once a week in church? Whenever it occurs to you? Or do you make it a priority to seek Him always? Has seeking God in your life become a habit?
Consider further what this man said: "Aha!" meaning a declaration of revelation, "I have seen the fire!" meaning he has become enlightened by his works, taking the greatest advantage over his given situation. He reveres himself essentially thinking, "Look what I've done!" Lucifer, similarly associated with Prometheus in Greek mythology, stole the fire of knowledge from heaven and brought it to the earth to free mankind from the slavery of Yahweh. He supposedly rebelled against a tyrant God at his own expense for the sake of mankind, whom he felt compassion for, so that we could rise to our full potential through the application of knowledge and skill. This is the lie that was perpetrated in the garden of Eden.
"...but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Genesis 3:3-5
Notice in Jeremiah 10 that the craftsman shapes the tree into an image of a man. This is very symbolic and also connected to the mark of the beast ("for it is the number of man" - not "a man" if you look at the Greek - however it still carries the same spiritual meaning either way because the beast is clearly defined as a congregation of world powers, not a single man). This means that what he is really worshiping is not a god, but himself (through his craftiness) and mankind (through symbolism). He is paying homage to man. This is exactly what the beast in Revelation does when it unites all of mankind under the banner of humanism through a world-wide governmental system, or as it is called today, the New World Order. It does so by lying and deceiving every walk of life away from true worship of Yahweh through His Way, which is the narrow path of self sacrifice to the truth in love shown us in the life and testimony of Yahshua. His example and testimony have been lived out in numerous prophets and saints throughout history.
We can see the worship of man through works is prevalent in all of the most commonly accepted belief systems of today. Satanism, New Age, Atheism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism... If the people of the world let themselves compromise the truth for unity this will lead to spiritual separation. The Spirit IS truth. And God IS love. The two cannot be separated. Followers of THE Christ must pursue truth in love until it is realized in all of us by the working of His power or we are weeded out of society by those who reject His Way. Merging beliefs from different sources to form our own concept of truth does not bring unity but slavery. It creates division from God and servitude to the ruler of this world. The unity that is promoted on a mass scale today is not the truth of God but the lie of the devil. Our individuality does not come from our own cocktail of beliefs nor the way we dress up our bodies but from the diversity of gifts God bestows on us. It is how we use those gifts in a manner pleasing to Him that shows our true individual beauty in its fullest potential. This is the gift of real liberty, not the liberty proclaimed by any constitution or treaty but the freedom that comes from above within the unity of faith. Unity is Yahweh's desire for us. True unity into His will is going bring about the reconciliation of all things to the Son, and eventually to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Colossians 1:15-23). The process for reconciliation to the Son has already begun. He is returning soon to reign with His firstfruit overcomers.
So brothers and sisters, I beseech you to not worship yourself, nor mankind, nor worship God in a manner that is pleasing to you. Yahweh does not consider that worship at all. If you are not honoring Father Yahweh in Yahshua's name by listening for His voice and looking for His hand to move in your life to guide you, then please consider whether you are even on the right track. Is there anything standing in your way of full devotion to Father Yahweh?
In looking at some of the concepts discussed in this blog, have any of these philosophies worked their way into your heart and home? They can certainly be sneaky and downright chameleon-like. It is not always easy to see that you have been deceived, either by yourself or others. But the more you seek the truth and train yourself to recognize the methods of the enemy the more able you are to discern error and temptation when it comes slithering. Remember, the greatest lies are half truths. Be careful what you believe. Test the spirits. Gird up the loins of your mind to prove the perfect and acceptable will of God. Satan does not always conquer by force. He wants you to ask for him to corrupt you by lying his way into your life through coercion, temptation, distraction, indoctrination - usually using subtle (and not-so-subtle) techniques. He has chosen to wage his war with covert attacks fought in a symbolic battlefield executed slowly over time rather than all at once, so as to remain hidden to his enemy. Followers of Christ are under attack by an enemy that is often difficult to see, hiding in the brush, like a lion ready to pounce on his prey.
Think about these things as you are decorating your Christmas tree this year. Think about the pagan Yule log, which is the first half of the tree that is burned in the fire (that is if you have a fireplace). Think about the second half of the tree which is fixed into place in your home as a focal point of the holiday. Think about the exciting materialism of buying presents for one another (like in the ancient Roman holiday, Saturnalia), wrapping them in enticing paper and bows and placing them under a lighted, sparkling, dazzling, tree with an "angel of light" (or a star of enlightenment) propped up on the top (a symbol of sun worship). By the way, Yahweh warned us not to make engraved images of anything on heaven or on earth many times. He told us what images to use in the temple, ie; angels, pomegranates, palms, etc. These are God-ordained images meant to communicate a message to us. When we create our own images and associations we profane them and we begin to walk down the path of idolatry. Remember, it is the works of man's hands that He despises. He wants to guide and direct us so we grow in His image. Let us not be prodigal sons.
Also, as a side note, think about what you have to do to get those presents: kneel or bow down before the tree (OK I know this isn't a literal act of worship but it is weird right?). Are these things becoming of a disciple of Christ? Does He approve? Even if, somehow, I could justify this mountain of evidence showing pagan connections to Christmas would I be willing put my soul on the line just to keep this holiday? It's risky at best from where I'm standing.
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| The Rockefeller Christmas tree with Prometheus bringing light down from heaven to mankind. What an amazing gift to put under the idolatree! |
Now, I don't believe that gift giving in and of itself is evil but what I'm suggesting is a more holistic view of the Christmas holiday and what it really means deep in your heart, as well as the practices that surround this very obviously pagan holiday that doesn't really pay any respect to what Christ Yahshua taught. I propose to you that you cannot put Christ into a Mass He wasn't in to begin with and never sanctioned. It is 100% apostasy - Full-on syncretism mixing the holy with the profane, which is unacceptable to God. But if you insist on propping up that fir realize that at the top is the "morning" star of enlightenment, or the "angel of light", which is Lucifer (a name meaning "bringer of light" or "light bearer.").
"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:14
The 10 Commandments warn us to not make an image in the likeness of anything in heaven and bow down to it (ie; to fall prey to your own desires, whether they are to belong, to be warm and comfortable, to share something nice with loved ones in the name of tradition without first discerning truth from error). There is a teaching called the prosperity doctrine that purports God will bless His children in abundance in this earthly life if we simply be good and ask. This is error. God clearly chastises those He loves and challenges us to overcome the passions and desires of the flesh in order to grow spiritually. But modern Christianity has bought into the idea that our salvation begins in THIS life, and the evidence of it is prosperity and long life. This is not always the case, for Christ prayed, "Give us this day our DAILY bread." Those who cannot accept chastisement from the Lord and deny themselves are not worthy to enter the Kingdom of God. He has in the past given those who do not recognize this to their own wicked ways, their own reprobate minds, to be consumed in the fires of vanity.
Vanity of vanities. All is vanity. "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"
That is not to say He does not bless His children, or even non-believers abundantly. He gives as He chooses. I cannot set any limits on His willingness to be a provider nor will I presume to be legalistic about what one has acquired in their life. But what I can do is use my God-given discernment to speak what He has put in my heart in love to those whom He has given ears to hear. From there all I can do is pray that person has tended their soil and will receive the water of life He pours out freely. Far too many Christians today are misled in believing God is a vending machine who wants to give you everything you want because you proclaimed His Son's name. Do not take His name in vain for many will come to Him on that day saying, "Lord! Lord!" But He will say, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity." Just as the craftsman in Isaiah who didn't ask how God's provision should be used, many Christians use their gifts and do what they want without first seeking God's leading. They do not discern enough, to think critically enough to hear His voice warning them of offense. Likewise, in Jeremiah 16:10 it says:
“And it shall be, when you show this people all these words, and they say to you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great disaster against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because your fathers have forsaken Me,’ says the Lord; ‘they have walked after other gods and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one follows the dictates of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me."
"You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the commandment of God to maintain your own tradition."
Mark 7:8-9
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Ephesians 5:5-7
"I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies."
Amos 5:21
If Christmas is a Christian holiday then why is it celebrated by everyone, even unbelievers? Is this not evidence of Christian syncretism by partaking of worldly traditions? If the whole world is enamored with this holiday and it arose out of the world, then is it not a worldly practice? How then can one expect God to respect your decision to honor His Son's birthday (which by the way has been proven to not be at this time of year)? Ask yourself also, if celebrating Yahshua's birthday was important to Yahweh would He have not told us when it is? Certainly it is not on the day of the winter solstice, the very day that pagan religions throughout millennia have worshiped the sun, saturn and many different gods. If you truly want to honor Christ on this day, have nothing to do with "Christmas." Make it simply a day to praise, honor and worship Him without all the highly questionable, man-made traditions, just like any other day. And please don't cite Romans as evidence against what I'm saying. I implore those who use that book as a shield to justify their decisions to do as they please to read it very carefully and consider it in context of the rest of The Bible. You will see that Paul is not saying it is OK to do whatever you want as long as your heart is in the right place. What you do does not always match what is in your heart, and quite often will unwittingly produce an effect on your way of thinking. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
If you are still doubtful about what I've said here consider looking up the history of Baal worship, the Queen of heaven, the legend of Semiramis and Nimrod, the story of Isis, Osiris and Horus and how these myths relate to Christmas and Easter. You may be surprised at what you find. And you may just see how these myths from ancient mystery religions have infiltrated almost every aspect of our modern culture from movies, music and even to the very heart of Christian faith. May our Father in Heaven grant you wisdom and understanding to discern the signs of the times we live in.
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