The Gospel and Our Idols, Part 2

Our idols die hard. In Ephesus, the preaching of Jesus and the birth of a church in that city led many to turn from idols and trust in Jesus. The Word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. But the people's defection from the city idolatry had a significant economic impact on the silversmith trade as their primary income was from making idols. Idols die hard---in each of us individually and also in the context of the larger culture. We are always negotiating with God, trying to get Jesus to coexist with the idols of our hearts. But when we see this is not possible, we are left with a choice. The city of Ephesus was known for the temple to the goddess Artemis, which shaped the identity of the city. The preaching of the Gospel confronted this idolatry and led to a riot. While this riot ended in somewhat peaceful terms, the basic message was clear. Jesus and Artemis could not stand together, one of them would have to go. Our hearts are idol factories and the Gospel continues to confront our idols. So beware: our idols die hard.