When God Says, “Stupid”

Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and plane and carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine. He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the pine in the forest to be nourished by the rain. Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire. With it he warms himself and bakes his bread. Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god to worship! He makes an idol and bows down in front of it! He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.” Then he takes what’s left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it, worshiping and praying to it. “Rescue me!” he says. “You are my god!” Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. (Isaiah 44:13-18 NLT)

I know God is saying “how stupid?” to these people. They’ve done something that makes absolutely no sense. Why would something carved out of the same wood you just used to cook your supper be worthy of your worship?

I really thought these verses were funny when I first read them until I thought…

I do this too.

I know God has to look at me and think, “How stupid?” quite often.

You see, I don’t carve stuff out of wood and worship it, but I do…

• Worry about worldly stuff when my God holds the universe
• Wonder if God is going to come through when He always has
• Seek to impress others when His opinion is the only important one
• Ask forgiveness for the same sin over and over when He’s already taken care of them all

I bet you have your own stuff that doesn’t seem to make much sense.

We all do.

That’s what’s great about Jesus. He allows us another chance… and another… and another.

So, before you fault those around you for their stupidity, consider your own.

We all have it!