Archive for September, 2009
Scarecrows in a Cucumber Field
I enjoy reading the ESV translation of the Bible. It has a feel or cadence if you will of the KJV, but with simpler wording. For some reason, I am able to gain a greater understanding of difficult to understand Scriptures. One such Scripture is in Jeremiah 10:5a.
The prophet Jeremiah is describing for the idolatrous Israelites the futility of worshiping idol gods. He says they are like “scarecrows in a cucumber field.” That phrase caught my attention and has stayed with me for several days. I couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of those words?
My first reaction was: I’ve never seen a scarecrow in a cucumber field. Cucumbers grow on vines, on the ground, and are practically hidden from any birds flying over, so really there’s no reason for a scarecrow to be put in a cucumber field. It would be completely useless. Ah! The light came on. The worship of idol gods, regardless of the form or substance they may have, is totally and completely useless; as useless as a scarecrow in a cucumber field.
Jeremiah is reminding his people that they are wasting their time and efforts in trying to appease gods who are powerless, useless, non-effective. Why spend time in a futile endeavor. There is only one God, creator and Lord over all the earth. It is to Him we owe our allegiance and devotion. He is the only one who can help in time of need. He is the only one who can save from the dominion of sin and bring us home to live with Him when our time on this earth is done.
Worship of Jehovah God is not useless or futile. Our God is NOT a scarecrow in a cucumber field.
Grams
