A Clear and Obvious Violation

Scripture: After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." 1 Kings 12:28

Observation: As Jeroboam strives to secure the northern kingdom of Israel, he creates two temples with matching golden calves. He instructs the people to worship these instead of going to the temple in Jerusalem, in order to prevent his people from developing loyalty to Judah.

This is, quite clearly, a violation of God's commands. Even the instructions given - worship these golden calves as the god who brought you out of Egypt - are the exact instructions for which the Israelites were punished when being brought out of Egypt 500 years previously. And they ALL should have known it. Therefore, the only way the people agreed to do this is because either a) they didn't care about the truth about God and his instructions for their lives, or b) they believed God's instructions changed and adjusted with the times, and now that the nation was divided it made sense to have a new system or worship to align to the national structure.

Application: We discuss often the idea the God does not change. As a church, we need to be very careful that we therefore understand God's instructions, because they remain the same. Of course, worshiping idols is terrible ... I worship only God, and he is not represented by any man-made image. Worshiping idols is a clear violation of God's instructions.

Are there behaviors I have, however, that I have embraced as believing they are perfectly okay and which likewise should be obvious violations of God's will, precepts, laws, and commands? I know society in general has done this; of that fact there is no disputing, and there will come a time when our nation and people will be judged for this behavior I have no doubt. That said, it is important that I, along with other believers, remain different and in alignment to God's ways. We are to learn and study what God has said.

I may be closest to danger when I worry about money, and when I judge others. Both of these demonstrate a potential issue ... either lack of faith, or lack of love, and involve prideful self-worship. These things must be avoided. I do not believe I do anything as obvious as Jeroboam initiated, but I must be aware. I love the Lord, and honestly seek to do his will as my act of worship.

Prayer: Lord, may I be ever looking to you for the proper direction and behaviors in my life. I know I sin, and I seek your forgiveness for those sins. Please do forgive me. I do not wish to ever offend you, and want to better know your true instructions for my life. You are the only one I worship, ever. May I seek your face this day. Amen.