Playing the Harlot

"They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot.  This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations."

--Leviticus 17:7  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on February 26, 2013 of Psalm 40; Acts 9:32-43; Leviticus 16-17.

Throughout their history, especially when held in captivity by foreign rulers or when traveling through the lands of other peoples, the descendants of Abraham were prone to worship those other peoples' gods.  They "played the harlot" by giving themselves up to whichever idol they thought could help them at the time, by not remaining faithful in the least to any of these gods, and especially not to the one true God.  God commanded this practice to end, now and forevermore.  No more sacrifices to demons, no more giving of themselves to false idols, no more ignoring God when convenient.

While this commandment was issued to the children of Israel, it was intended for us today as well, just as the entire Bible is for our edification.  We sin by playing the harlot to false gods.  What we treasure above all others becomes our god.  What we spend our time and money on becomes our object of worship, our idol.  What we freely give ourselves to for the convenience or pleasure of the moment becomes our demon, consuming us.  Daily we offer our sacrifices - of time, of money, of worship - to many demons and false idols.  We must preserve ourselves for the one true God and for Jesus His Son.  We must dedicate our time, resources, and lives to the advancement of His kingdom, now and forevermore.  Amen.

Ever forgiving Father, thank You for chastening us through Your commandment to the children of Israel, for cautioning us about the dangers of giving ourselves to false gods.  Please forgive us when we place other interests above You for our time and attention.  May we never forget the many blessings You give us each and every day.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.