Slavery to Idols and Images--Jan. 15, 2015

Many in this world, far too many,

have known what it is like to look to the

hand of a human master for some sign of mercy.

I am glad I have not had to suffer such servitude,

but are not we all susceptible to slavery

produced by idols and images?

All around us are images to show

us what is acceptable appearance, and we

must imitate the ways of our idols in the media.

Jesus, you do not ask that we be your slaves--

only to join you as sisters and brothers

as we seek to be servants of God.

Open the eyes we have shut; open

our minds to know and comprehend how

we have come under the control of false masters.

Instead of dress to be fashionable, clothe us with

new selves, created according to the likeness

of God in righteousness and holiness.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 123; 146; 30; 86

Isa. 44:9-20

Eph. 4:17-32

Mark 3:19b-35

Selected Verses

Ps. 123:2

As the eyes of servants
          look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
          to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
          until he has mercy upon us.

Isa. 44:18

[Idol makers and worshipers] do not know, nor do they comprehend; for their eyes are shut, so that they cannot see, and their minds as well, so that they cannot understand.

Eph. 4:24

…and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Mark 3:35

"…Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”  [Jesus to a crowd sitting around him]