Approaching God on Our Terms

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 copied the design of a pagan altar he had seen in Damascus to replace the bronze altar God had instructed Solomon to build. Every altar God instructed his leaders to build included requirements unlike those of the pagan altars around them. The atonement for sin must follow God’s prescribed ways. We cannot invent or copy our way to salvation or righteousness. King Ahaz kept the bronze altar off to one side for seeking God’s guidance. He wanted his own religion, but he also wanted the opportunity to seek God’s direction when it suited him. Rather than confront this powerful leader, the priest Uriah enabled his idolatry. 

When we approach God on our terms, will others have the freedom to confront us?

“Lord God, I repent for approaching you on my terms, not yours, while at the same time still seeking your guidance. Restore worship that glorifies you, both in my life and in your Church, for your glory.”