“Has a nation ever exchanged its gods?
(But they were not gods!)
Yet my people have exchanged their Glory
for useless idols.
Be appalled at this, heavens;
be shocked and utterly desolated!
This is the Lord’s declaration.”
– Jeremiah 2:11-12
In the New Covenant, God’s people are those who have embraced Jesus Christ in faith. The application is no longer to a nation state, but to Christians individually and churches collectively. Unfortunately, we can still make the same mistakes. As God’s people we must be on guard not to repeat the errors of ancient Israel!
We must not exchange the Glory of God in Jesus Christ – His truth, His character, His Word, His will, His design, His power, or His presence for anything. As churches and individuals, we may be tempted to exchange God’s glory for the useless idols of popularity, social acceptance, comfort, legal protection, political influence, earthly power, safety, wealth, nice buildings, large congregations, temporary fame, or earthly reputation. We must always resist this temptation!
We must never let our desire for these things, even when they are good things, outweigh our living and proclaiming the true Glory of God in Jesus Christ, no matter the cost!