The Tragic Exchange: Romans 1:23
“23) and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.” Romans 1:23
Paul now records the tragic exchange. As people began to drift from God, they exchanged Him for the worship of self or some other creature. People who practice idolatry can makes gods of nearly anything.
Tragically, behind the idol was demonic activity. (See 1 Corinthians 10:19-20) Satan will do anything to displace and distance the true God from people … or the other way around. As the drift continued, entire world religions like Hinduism were formed based entirely on idolatry. Soon the true God was vanished from human consciousness.
The most significant take away from this verse is that God let them go. He stepped out of the way and turned humanity over to its own lusts and deception.
If you feel distant from God, it may be because you have abandoned Him. You have walked away and He has stepped out of your way. In His place you have most likely stuffed all kinds of things, including the pursuit of pleasure and success.
Don’t expect lightening bolts of judgement. Rather expect silence. He has turned you over to your own ways. But you say, “Terry, God feels so distant!” Bingo! Who moved?
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
