Lingering Shadows

Some Confusion

Although many Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians populate the world, their understanding of their respective religions varies so much that they can seem like entirely different faiths, only sharing the religion’s name. Someone’s view of a religion or deity is not necessarily what is considered normal, real, or even accurate. Vague understandings and ignorance obscure our knowledge. The Apostle Paul noted that there was one altar dedicated to the “Unknown God” in Athens (Acts 17:23), highlighting mankind’s fear of neglecting some important God, gods, or goddesses.

The English word ‘agnosticism’ comes from the Greek word agnostic, meaning ‘unknown’—literally ‘without knowledge.’ Today, saying “cannot be known” often suggests indifference. The original idea of “We don’t know” has somehow shifted to “We cannot know” in modern times. The ancient altar dedicated to the “unknown god” highlights the importance of preparing for every possibility regarding higher powers; after all, we wouldn’t want to incur a curse by neglecting the unknown god. Today’s agnostic assumes there are no consequences for ignoring what can’t be known. If that weren’t true, they would seek answers. You’ve heard the phrase “What you don’t know can’t hurt you,” but this mindset is risky and dangerous in worship.

Others admit that ignorance of the proper supernatural power can cause them great harm or prevent them from reaching their full potential. Still others believe that spirits are somehow connected to animate objects. Certain trees are believed in some places to possess mystical properties, like the Asherim in the Bible. The Babylonian Emperor believed Daniel had a “spirit of the holy gods” because he could interpret dreams.

A Bright Illustration

One great example that helps us understand the plurality of gods greets us almost every night: the moon. The moon emits a special glow in the Earth’s dark places. Its mysterious and alluring shadows, along with its subdued light, captivate our hearts and minds. The moon itself is worshiped by some, who believe that a special power can be gained through devotion to it. The ancient city of Ur, from which Abraham came, was known for its moon worship, but this was not the only item worshipped. Ur had over ninety lunar deities listed. The moon’s power is subtle, intriguing, and captivating. We can see why some might think the moon is the source of extraordinary powers, ready to be unleashed upon those who open their souls to it.

The moon, however, does not have its own light; it is barren, dark, and cold. The sun, an external light source, reflects its full brightness onto the moon. In earlier times, people didn’t realize this, but today, with our rapidly growing knowledge, it’s clear that the supposed power of the moon is an illusion. The moon only possesses darkness.

The gods of this world operate similarly to the moon. They, or the objects linked to them, may have an irresistible allure, offering power or attachment in exchange for loyalty. The moon’s power is insignificant without the sun’s glory. Without the moon, we might still survive, but without the sun, there’s no hope that life could exist on Earth.

Lesser Things

Every day, we draw energy from the sun both directly and indirectly. The sun, appointed by God to rule the day, warms us in this cold, barren space and sustains the plants we depend on for nourishment. Our fascination should not be focused on lesser objects like the moon, since all derive their vitality from the sun. Our innate desire to explore greater powers or depend on them isn’t wrong, but it’s fundamentally human. The longing for something beyond the physical reveals our spiritual side along with our biological one—both are necessary for proper functioning. We need something greater to fulfill our spiritual and emotional needs. Exploring the created world alone, as mysterious as it is, isn’t enough to find all the answers.

The moon’s apparent attraction, power, and attention come from its reliance on the sun. Its energy isn’t generated independently. When mankind turns to things, whether alive or inanimate, and places hope and affection on them, it is denying the truth. Once we praise and focus on the moon for its light and beauty apart from the sun, it becomes an insult to the sun. The sun actually provides that light and any special illusory effects.

However, even here our illustration falls short. The sun itself is only a symbol of a greater reality. My point isn’t about the moon or other celestial objects, as interesting as they are, but about what they point to. God has created the physical elements of the world to lead us to the truth about Himself as our Creator.

“God made the two great lights, the greater light to govern the day, and the lesser light to govern the night; He made the stars also” (Genesis 1:16).

The Infinite forms the finite, the Creator the created, the Unformed the formed (1 John 2:14). Although it may seem right to enjoy the sun’s presence and power, we would be acting shortsightedly if we ignored its Maker. Even the sun depends on the One who created it. The sun’s energy is insignificant compared to the Eternal Light. The apostle Paul expressed this well.

“For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)

No matter what god, power, source, energy, light, warmth, or strength we seek, they all draw their life from God Himself. Fixating on the created things, seen or unseen, without a greater love and affection for God our Creator, becomes an inferior response. They are present and recognizable because they are meant to draw us to know some good in their Creator. Recognizing this greater glory opens the way for our inner emptiness to lead us to God. Otherwise, our actions become insincere and naive, like praising the moon or sun, even though they draw their power from a more powerful Source.

Two Examples

A few different examples might help. Imagine a salad. You might enjoy various leafy greens, mixed with chopped greens and diced vegetables, topped with your favorite extras and dressing. But all of this—and truly all of our food—relies entirely on the sun, which, in turn, depends completely on God. This shows why people should not just enjoy their delectable salad but also turn their hearts to God and thank Him for food and the contentment He provides. Our thanks sanctify our food for our bodies by shifting our focus from merely satisfying our appetites to recognizing the One who continues to care for us.

Another example can be seen in rocks and gems. Some believe that certain powers, to varying degrees, come from specific rocks or crystals. Let’s assume these powers exist, like the herbs with healing properties. Each one offers a unique calming or powerful effect, but they all originate from God Himself. When we look at a rock without remembering God, who wonderfully shaped and concealed the magnificent gems in the earth with their powers, we ignore God’s true power and purpose. Even coal, though feared by some, had qualities that helped push our society into the industrial age. If we look a little deeper, we can see how God, through the cosmic flood, created huge gas fields around the world by quickly burying large forests deep underneath.

Secret and Dangerous Spots

Shy away from ignorance, for it is born in darkness and fuels false worship stirred by the evil one. Note Lucifer’s description and how adoration of his beauty apart from God raised vain thoughts.

“You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz, and the diamond; the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise, and the emerald; and the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, was in you. On the day that you were created, they were prepared.” (Ezekiel 28:13)

Understanding ourselves outside of God’s design opens a dangerous gap of blindness where darkness hides. And by gradually concealing true knowledge, it fosters a false knowledge that distorts our understanding of ourselves. The truth, however, reveals our true identities and purpose to fulfill God’s purposes on earth.

Discovering Hints of Truth

Let’s explore the true purposes of God. It’s interesting to see how God enhances the beauty of leaves and rocks in the new creation. They further magnify His glory and help us enjoy His presence more deeply.

The leaves: “And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. And on either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2).

The rocks: “And the material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone... And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:18-21).

God, for a time, restrains immanent powers from rocks, leaves, and so on, from revealing their ability to reflect their Maker’s glory. The complete unveiling happens when the full truth is revealed and when we receive our glorious new bodies, eagerly awaiting God’s full revelation of Jesus Christ and the new world.

“For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God... we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:19-23)

The Final Picture

“God is light and in Him there is no darkness whatsoever” (1 John 1:6). Jesus uses the sun as an analogy to point to God’s good and beneficial presence. God is the bright light, the eternal superpower that provides the enriching warmth by which we, along with all inanimate objects, gain all that we are and need for our bodies, souls, and relationships. True enlightenment comes when we recognize God’s rightful place in this universe and worship Him alone. This is why God clearly stated in the Ten Commandments that we are to have no other gods before Him and to possess no idols.

“You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God.” (Exodus 20:3-5)

Although various objects, like the moon, might have a subtle power and attraction, they are simply another call from God Himself to direct our complete admiration and dependence on Him. What God creates should inspire our hearts with praise and gratitude for providing for our needs, both great and small. Although many unknown elements exist in the world, we are warned against focusing on inferior objects, no matter how engaging they may be. Our full adoration belongs solely to God, who created and sustains all things through Jesus Christ.

“And He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17)

Think about who or what you find fascinating. It could be a person, an object, or the spirit behind an object. Now, step back and try to see the bigger picture, understanding how God’s greater being, through Jesus, is guiding us to admire His achievements. They exist to inspire and guide our understanding toward God’s glory. Enjoy the beautiful, awe-inspiring sights and inherent powers in this world, but let them lead you to their true source. This marks the start of genuine worship. God Himself desires you to acknowledge and worship Him alone, with all your heart, soul, and mind! Only then can we truly begin to appreciate the gifts He has graciously given us.

One step further in

We can look at the moon reflecting the sun’s light without harm, but no one should look directly at the sun. But how can we properly approach the Living, Holy God? The analogy holds, and the question is worth asking. Just as our God has provided special leaves, gems, and food for us, He also gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die so that we can be forgiven.

Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).

True life is found in Jesus, and forgiveness found through faith in Him, brings restoration with our Creator, which then enables us to live in relationship with Him. Jesus becomes a bridge or mediator between God and us.

Note how the Apostle Paul connects faith in Jesus with worship.

“Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:16-17)