(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)   

[Theme] The difference between true and false 

The second half of Psalm 135 shows us the difference between the true God and the gentile idols. The God whom we believe in deserves our praises, because He is the God who was, is, and will always be. Only He exists forever. Whether it is the Israelites of the past, us now, and all of God’s chosen people in the future, God’s people, the God who we worship and praise, is the same God. All things will pass, and only the God we have faith in will live forever, and will never change. This God is compassionate and have a gracious heart. 

According to verse 5-7 of 135, it is mentioned that our true God makes thunder, lightning, wind, rain. He is omnipresent, and does things according to His will. On the contrary, what about the false idols? They are all made by human hands, “they have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths.” From head to toe, everything is fake. From the history of mankind, in different civilizations, regions, eras, cultures and trends, countless false gods have been continuously created, endless different styles; at the same time, these false gods are constantly disappearing, perishing, and being replaced in the torrent of history. As compared to our one true God, it can be regarded as a world of difference! 

Speaking of the relationships between God and mankind, compare verse 14, “For the Lord will vindicate his people, and have compassion on his servants.” For those who create and worship false gods, verse 18 says, ”Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them.”  

The last three verses are an ensemble of praises. Starting with the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, the house of Leviticus, and all who fear the LORD should praise Him. And the LORD who dwells in Jerusalem will accept the praises that is given Him by all the people. 

[Meditation] 

The God whom we believe in is the true God, the living God. He is willing to speak to us. He is willing to listen to us when we pour out our heart to Him. We must not worship incorrectly, and treat our God in the same way as a false god; also we must not worship the wrong things, do not chase after the earthly wealth, do not pursue fame and profit as if these were new idols, those who relay on these will end up with emptiness! 

[Prayer] 

May God enlighten me, eradicate the bad influence on me from the visible and invisible idols, please renew my heart and my mind, to give you all the praise, reverence, and worship you deserve! 

[Memory Verse]   

Psalm 135:13  Your name, O LORD, endures forever, your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages.