Ever wondered why its one of the first in the list? It's so easily skipped over, because it doesn't seem to be relevant to our culture, much less applicable to our lives.
First question, is why the commandment at all? Theologically, God has the single legitimate claim to everything that the Israelites could possibly want or think of in a god. He is almighty, all-knowing, and they have seen their deliverer and protector in action just recently coming out of Egypt. So why is God worried about Israelites that have never personally seen this God face to face carving representations?
Assuming the best-case scenario of Israelites longing to have a tangible representation of their Lord, God's greatness literally cannot be represented by anything human hands can make. The created is incapable of portraying the creator in any accurate sense. But even if human hands were able to, they are forbidden here in Exodus 20:4.
The likely case though, is of Israelites straying and creating images/idols of false gods. In 20:5 the implication is that then the Israelites would bow down and worship these false gods that they created, instead of the true God.
Why? because God is jealous for his people. It all comes down to his intense desire for his people to follow them with all their heart willingly. He will curse them if they do not but show his covenantal love to them if/when they do.
The "generational curse" here is so often taken to mean and apply to whatever we feel like, particularly in spiritual warfare. Contextually, we have curses and blessings. This is an appropriate time to think culturally, meaning of the family structure. Generally, with one father or patriarch of a family, there would be sons, daughters, and grandsons and granddaughters all living together. It was common for three or perhaps even four generations to be considered part of one household. Thus, it all falls to the patriarch - if he sins and turns away from God, eventually God will curse him to bring him and his household back. Thus the "generational curse."
What is absolutely astounding though, is God's promise to bless the righteous with his covenantal love to the thousandth generation! This can be seen through David, who God blessed. His descendants rebelled and sinned endlessly, but God still had his hand on them in light of his love for David!
Applications? Endless! Think of the responsibility of the demand to love God with all we have, and how turning against him can and will affect others particularly those in our own households. Picture the father that commits adultery and divorces his wife - he brings on the curse of a ruined household, children scarred, and significant financial turmoil. Others are affected by his decision to turn his back to the Lord and reject his commands.
Picture instead the grandfather who loved God, pastored churches, and gave his entire life to serving God. That's the kind of person whose children God will have his hand on, even if they don't turn to him, for the sake of the covenantal love he offers to those whose who fully serve him with all their hearts.
No comments:
Post a Comment