Copying the World

 2 Kings 15,16; Hosea 1; 1 Hebrews 1 

“King Ahaz then gave these orders to Uriah the priest: ‘On the large new altar, offer the morning burnt offering and the evening grain offering…Sprinkle on the altar all the blood of the burnt offerings and sacrifices. But I will use the bronze altar for seeking guidance. And Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.’”

2 Kings 16:15, 16

King Ahaz replaced the altar God had instructed David/Solomon to build, for a copy of one he had seen in Damascus. An altar to a pagan god replaced the altar to the Living God for Judah’s repentance and worship.

Is it possible to copy the world’s methods and tools in our worship of the Lord today?

King Ahaz retained the bronze altar built by Solomon when he wanted to seek God’s guidance, but for all other daily worship he used the pagan altar.

Why not also use the pagan altar for guidance?

King Ahaz recognized that God alone could be trusted with the big questions of the kingdom. Uriah the priest carried out the King’s request and lost his authority from God. The office of the priesthood became prostituted, as did the worship of God’s people. God is still calling his people to repentance, purity, humility, and true worship in Spirit and truth. Let us be found faithful!

“Lord Jesus, again this day, I offer by body to you as a temple of your Spirit for worship and witness, for your glory.”