All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. (Micah 4:5, NIV)
If you have ever walked into one of those golf’s superstores and walked over to the putting green—which may be bigger than your backyard—you will understand perfectly when I say you have choices, lots and lots of choices.
There are putters in white and black and brushed stainless. Look for Anser-style blades and UFO-style mallets. You’ll find traditional shorter shafts and longer shafts with counter balancing for that “long putter feel.” You can pay from your wallet or you can pay from your savings account—like they say of people, every putter has its price.
But here’s the thing: no golf store salesperson is going to say, as you approach that counter with putter and method of payment in hand, “I’m sorry, that putter just isn’t for you.” Nope, they’re going to let you choose whatever you want.
That’s the way it is in the world today as well. When it comes to religion, people are increasingly willing to let you choose whatever path you like. Walk as you will. Worship whatever God works.
In a way that seems to be the philosophy of Micah as well. Those other nations had their gods. They could worship them if they wanted. But God’s people—YHWH’s people—they would stick with him.
But Micah was no universalist. He was not saying those other gods were as good for those nations as his God was for his. Rather, he was saying what has always been true. Some will walk with God, some will not. Some will follow Jesus, some will not. But here is what those who walk with “the LORD our God” must never do: turn after those other gods.
That men and women choose other god-options, and that the men and women around them affirm them whatever their choice—these are of no matter to us. We will stick with YHWH. That’s what Micah was saying. That’s what Jesus meant when he said that he was the only way by which we might come to the Father who is God. There are many ways to walk; there is only one way to walk that leads to God “forever and ever.”
Don’t lose your way by way of distraction. Make the choice to follow Jesus, walking with him from here to eternity. No other enduring commitment will endure so well!
—
Jeff Hopper
June 4, 2014
Copyright 2014 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.