“But be careful! Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you
turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods.”
Deuteronomy 11:16
What dangers we face when our hearts are stolen! The Israelites were commanded to demolish and completely erase even the names of other gods. (12:3) In fact, if their own relative or friend ever tried to persuade them to worship other gods, they were to kill that person and burn their entire town! (13:6-17)
Why such severe punishment? “Because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord YOUR God who rescued you...” (13:10) In other words, their deceived hearts would turn them away from relationship with the ONE who loved them with unfailing love, who delivered them from bondage, and who carried them through the wilderness to the promised land.
In all the countries I've lived, I have observed...NO OTHER god loves and cares for their worshippers! No matter their name, shape, or disguise, the gods of this world only disappoint and destroy. Of course, it breaks God’s heart to see His special treasures turn away from HIS unfailing love to be enslaved by such loveless gods! Of course, God doesn't want our hearts to be deceived so we turn away from the loving relationship only HE offers.
So, may we heed Moses’ pleas today, “Hold tightly to HIM…Cling to HIM…” (11:22, 13:4) For, no matter who those other gods are, we have clear advice from our loving Father…
Do not let any of them steal your heart!
