Jeremiah 10:14-16 – Is God the strength of our hearts and our portion?

The Prophet Jeremiah in chapter 10 verses 14-16, reveals to us how useless those man-made idols are. Firstly, we are told that everyone who makes or worships them is dumb and stupid. Such a person is devoid of any knowledge. Each will be put to shame by their man-made idol. Secondly, we learn that those idols the pagans worship or make are worthless and a work of mockery. If they are not made from wood, then they are silver or gold molten images. In fact, in our days, many of them are made of lesser materials like porcelain. What’s even more foolish is that none of those man-made idols can breathe like a human being. In saying that idols are deceitful, Jeremiah was pointing to the fact idols are merely handmade stuff that cannot give a person what he or she seeks or needs. So pathetic are those idols that on judgment day none of them can save itself and will perish.

In contrast, Jeremiah 10:16 said that Yahweh the LORD God of Israel is not like those dumb idols. He is the portion of Jacob. He is also the Maker, the creator of everything and Israel is His inheritance. His name is the LORD of Hosts. What is the meaning of this name? It means He is the supreme, supernatural, and transcendent being who alone commands and controls the universe and all the planetary bodies. Isaiah 40:26 affirms this. Besides, the Bible also constantly reveals that He commands countless and myriad angels who are always ready for His order. Furthermore, none of the armies of the world has any power to resist Him.  

 

It is so plain and obvious which of these two any wise person would want to serve and worship. No wonder the Psalmist in Psalm 73:25, declares affirmatively saying, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” What about us? And it is true that our flesh and hearts will fail us, but God will never fail us. We must let Him be the strength of our hearts and our portion forever!