The Second Commandment: Exodus 20: 4-6

Exodus 20

4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me,
6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.


Many Christian think this doesn't apply to them. After all, they don't worship any idols...there are no alters in their homes. Only the pagans do that!

Are you so sure?

Christians state with their words that they have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

But how often do they show otherwise with their actions of carrying "lucky charms" and believing in superstitions? Their faith in Jesus Christ is not strong enough to overcome the need to also have faith in a man-made object (called an idol in Biblical days) or ritual.

When was the last time you told someone "Good luck"? Knocked on wood lately? How was your horoscope this morning? How do you feel about Friday the 13th?

What about that lucky shirt or penny? Do you have a "dream catcher" hanging in your car? Charms are defined as: An item worn for its supposed magical benefit, as in warding off evil; an amulet. An action or formula thought to have magical power.

It is wrong to put yourself even in the appearance of following pagan beliefs.

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them" Shall not... WILL not. The Lord isn't asking you to not do this: He's TELLING you not to do it.

"...for I the Lord your God am a jealous God,..." Remember what I said about the 1st commandment... "it's all about Him". Think about how your spouse would feel if they caught you loving on someone else. Wouldn't be pretty what would happens next, would it?

The Lord feels that way too. And it's not pretty what happens...

"...punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me..."

But the Lord is merciful and sent us His son who gives us grace. Without it, we'd be toast.

"... but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments."

I'll take that love of the Living God over a dead rabbit's foot any day!!