When I say the name, Jesus, I picture your idol. Inbred in my consciousness since youth; church walls, windows, ceilings and doors have proudly boasted that idol for centuries. Books of Christian art and history provide commentary describing the importance of the idol to worshipers throughout the eras.

Because I am older and know a little about psychology I resist this image that enslaves and imposes limitations which take entire lifetimes to overcome: in the early years of this country it was important for the majority people to steer the thinking of their slaves that they continue to see themselves as mere insects living in a land of gods. Reading was forbidden least we stumble upon the truth. Certainly, the reading of Exodus 21:16 could not be allowed.

But time has passed and because of Martin Luther we have access to the written word that we may know that we too are included in what God has provided. And with such a great blessing openly laid before us it is indeed a mystery why we continue to seek to be led.

Exodus 21:16 (ETRV)16 “Whoever steals someone to sell them as a slave or to keep them for their own slave must be killed.

Numbers 13:33 (KJV) And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Numbers 33:52 (KJV) Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places:

Romans 9:7-9 (KJV) Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. {8} That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. {9} For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.