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111Ki014.mp3
Commentary
1 Kings 14
Judah and Israel
Why does is seem so much easier to worship a false god? Surely a person would know that a lifeless idol will not, can not benefit them in any way at all. They are not even good listeners. When something occurs that seems too difficult for man, who will that man turn to for help? What causes a person to worship something that is clearly not real? I want to think more open minded about all of this, so that I can truly understand.
At the beginning, the People were delivered from centuries of slavery in Egypt. They were subject to many heathen practices because it was the way of the Egyptians. It's all they knew.... except for the few Godly people who dedicated their lives to teaching them the way of the Lord. When God delivered the People out of slavery, He revealed Himself in many mighty works. This should have developed in the People a strong concept of God. They were able to experience His mighty hand personally... completely unlike any god they had ever seen or even heard of.
God led them with no limits or boundaries. He proved to them that there is nothing too great or too small for Him. Some adhered to Him, accepting Him as the One True God. The thing I see, even from this early stage in their walk with God is that they did not like God's justice very much. Some did rebel, and were justly dealt with. It was a very difficult thing. I can relate to this, as I have had experience with hard punishment in my life. It seems far too much for the infraction. Some did rebel even more, while some repented.
This reprimand caused some to seek a "mediator" or king, so that God's justice did not come to them directly. The People said, "God's wrath is too much for us". They were granted a king. The forth king did not follow after God. He worshiped idols. In Solomon's reign, God rent the nation into two so that His word was kept concerning His promise to David, who was faithful to God. In this chapter, we see that neither kingdom now follow wholly after God only. They both had idols.
God's justice was too much for the People, so they have kings to lead them. The kings led them to idolatry. God's wrath is kindled stronger now. After a couple hundred years, some began to lose the solid strength of their concept of God. From then to now, it is difficult for the unbeliever to accept God as real because they have no concept of His true nature. The leaders of this nation have permitted free will of worship. Not one of our leaders today will stand and openly accept God as the One True God, even though the law was written that we have freedom to choose.
I thought to keep my comments simple, so that more readers can relate, or at least understand my views. If the nation, as a whole, will not openly acknowledge God as the One True God, consider within yourself, once and for all, who you will serve. God will reveal Himself to us, whether we believe Him or not. Time and time again, God's people have been enslaved as a result of our rebellion to Him. I see it still happening today, only on a personal level. Our slavery is individual. We have become slaves to "things" such as drugs, unhealthy practices, etc. Many of us don't even know how to have a healthy relationship with each other. How will we learn to have a healthy relationship with God?
We need to begin to trust. We cannot dwell in the fear that someone will not accept us. We cannot dwell in the fear of being hurt or let down. No matter how many bad choices you have made in your past, don't let any fear rule your decision to trust, and to love, yet again. Open your heart and love. Love God fully. Love each other purely. If you desire after a companionship with a spouse, don't be hindered by fear. Stop looking for the "perfect" or "ideal" mate and BECOME that perfect or ideal mate. You attract the kind of person that you are. It is the natural way of things. If you are true within your heart, you will meet people who are true within their hearts. Keep God first. Don't have any other gods. Seek Him to deliver you from the slavery caused by fear. He will not hold any good thing from you.Let's get our kingdom back!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 7:00 AM
