"But
the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who
had refused to believe in the LORD their God. They rejected his decrees and the
covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings.
They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They
followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the LORD's command
not to imitate them.
They rejected all the commands of the LORD their God
and made two calves from metal. They set up an Asherah pole and worshiped Baal
and all the forces of heaven. They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters
in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and practiced sorcery and sold
themselves to evil, arousing the LORD's anger.
Because the LORD was very
angry with Israel, he swept them away from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah
remained in the land."
2
Kings 17:14–18
view
in context
encouragement for
today
Idolatry
is a pervasive and devastating sin. What you worship is what you become. God
tried everything he could to get his people to love and obey him so he could
fulfill his wonderful plan. But his people continually refused to listen. They
turned from him again and again, and eventually God had to judge them and let
them reap the fruit of their heart and actions. It may take time, but we always
reap what we sow. Are you sowing in the soil of truth, love, obedience, and
faith in the one true God.
—Diane
Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
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