October 18

All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame. — Isa 44:9 BSB

“Delectable things” refer to idols—the things people loved, honored, and trusted as gods. They prayed to them and looked to them for help, but these idols were powerless.

The psalmist says, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, noses but cannot smell, hands but cannot feel, feet but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” (Psalm 115:3-8)

These idols could not bring comfort in sorrow, strength in weakness, or deliverance in danger. Imagine being an idol-worshiper with a beautiful golden idol in your house. What good would it be in times of deep grief or trouble when you needed help beyond what any human could give?

Worldly trusts, like wealth, are no better than these idols. In a house filled with wealth and luxury, what comfort can these “delectable things” offer when sorrow comes, if Christ is absent?