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Feeding on Ashes: The Folly of Modern Idols
In Isaiah 44:12–20, the prophet exposes the absurdity of idolatry with sharp irony. He describes a blacksmith and a carpenter exhausting themselves to shape a god out of wood and iron. The craftsman cuts down a cedar tree, uses half of it to build a fire to bake his bread, and uses the remaining half to carve an image. He then bows down to that block of wood and prays, “Save me; you are my god!”
Isaiah delivers a sobering diagnosis of this condition in verse 20: “He feeds on ashes; a deceived heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself.”
It is easy to laugh at the ancient folly of bowing to a literal piece of wood. Yet, the human heart remains an idol factory. Today, we rarely carve wooden statues, but we routinely build modern deities out of our careers, bank accounts, relationships, and digital reputations. We dedicate our finest energy, time, and resources to these pursuits, hoping they will provide us with ultimate security, identity, and joy.
Like the wood in Isaiah’s day, these things are not inherently evil. Trees provide warmth and sustenance; money, work, and family are good gifts from God. The tragedy occurs when we take a good creation and elevate it to the position of God.
When we look to created things to satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger, we are spiritually “feeding on ashes.” A career cannot offer ultimate security. Financial wealth cannot purchase peace of mind. Human approval cannot grant unconditional love. When the fires of life break out, these modern idols leave us empty, exhausted, and holding nothing but soot.
Isaiah reminds us that a deceived heart cannot deliver itself. We cannot break free from our cultural or personal idols by sheer willpower alone. We need a Savior who redirects our hearts away from empty substitutes and back toward the living God.
This week, let us audit our hearts. Where are we spending our best time and energy? What are we looking to for salvation when we feel anxious or insecure? Let us stop wasting our lives on things that burn up and instead turn fully to the God who created us, sustains us, and truly delivers.
Remember, God loves you and I love you, and that is the way it is going to be!
Marshall Swindall
Boiling Springs church of Christ