Now Jehoram the son of Ahab became king over Israel…And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, but not like his father and mother; for he put away the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made. Nevertheless he persisted in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin; he did not depart from them. — 2 Kings 3: 1-3 (NKJV)
What was the sin of Jeroboam? For fear of the kingdom returning to the dynasty of David, he set up gold calves in Dan and Bethel. He encouraged the people to worship and offer sacrifices to these calves. He was afraid the people will most likely align with the king of Judah if they travelled to Jerusalem to worship and sacrifice to the LORD. Jeroboam relied on his own thoughts without spiritual guidance and took advice from people who were not God’s chosen prophets or priests. (Read the full account in 1 Kings 12)
Joram was aware that the worship of Baal was an abomination before God and to the children of Israel. So, he put away the sacred pillar associated with Baal worship. Joram did not destroy the sacred pillar but merely removed them from public view and scrutiny. Joram’s action was laudable because it discouraged the people from open Baal worship. He, however, left Jeroboam’s calves in place thereby encouraging the people to continue in idol worship.
“…Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
We often distance ourselves and decry overt abominable practices, yet we would retain ‘secret’ sins. We are often too quick to criticise and speak against sins displayed openly in public whilst retaining or concealing our own private flaws.
We all need to look deep inwards. We need to allow the Spirit of God to do a thorough soul searching in us.
Are there secret sins or habits that people don’t know about, get rid of them! Get rid of unforgiveness and bitterness. Get rid of that app on your phone or device, cancel that subscription that gives you access to multiple premium channels.
What do we gain or benefit from not getting rid of those “idols”, images, and habits, from the temple of our body and heart?
Bible teacher Matthew Henry said: “Those do not truly repent or reform, who only part with the sins they lose by, but continue to love the sins that they think to gain by.”
Psalm 90:8 (NLT) counsels: “You spread out our sins before you, our secret sins and you see them all.” Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) further adds: “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”
Nothing is hidden before God; everything is laid bare before Him. Secret sins can take us down if we hold on to them. So, let’s get rid of them.
The grace of God is available to help us live the life that pleases Him.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 