Emphasis Preaching Journal

Luther, in commenting on this text, states that "No one can have one God unless he clings to Him alone and trusts in Him alone." Otherwise he will devise a whole set of other gods. When we yield to the seductive power of our false gods we are not only guilty of idolatry, but actually of polytheism -- the worship of many gods. They do not demand our total allegiance, but only our daily obedience and occasional service. They are glad to have us go to church on Sunday and say our prayers. The god of wealth, for instance, is happy to have us go to church to thank God for our prosperity.