Tag vain worship

Jeroboam REPLACED the worship

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” (1Kings 12:28)

Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, initiated a series of significant changes that altered the course of worship for his people. His actions were driven by political motives rather than spiritual fidelity, leading to the establishment of a false system of worship that had long-lasting ramifications.

Replacing the Place, Object, and Priests of Worship

His primary objective was to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem, in the southern kingdom of Judah, for worship. He feared that such pilgrimages would foster loyalty to the house of David and threaten his own reign. To counter this, Jeroboam replaced the central place of worship and also substituted the object of worship with idols. He also appointed non-Levitical priests to serve, undermining the divinely ordained priesthood.

The Enduring Error of Jeroboam

Jeroboam’s innovations did not end with his reign but extended into the next generations. His establishment of idolatrous practices became a stumbling block for the northern kingdom of Israel. Kings who followed Jeroboam perpetuated these errors, leading the people further away from true worship. The legacy of Jeroboam’s apostasy was so significant that it became a standard by which the sins of Israel’s kings were measured (1Kings 16:26).

The Idolatrous Practices of Ahab and Jezebel

The reign of Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, marked a further decline in the spiritual state of Israel. Jezebel introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah into Israel, practices that were abominable to the Lord. Ahab provoked the Lord more than all the kings of Israel before him (1Kings 16:31-33).

The Lord’s disapproval on Mount Carmel

The prophet Elijah emerged as a powerful voice against the rampant idolatry. In one of the most dramatic confrontations recorded in Scripture, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He called upon the Lord to demonstrate His sovereignty, and God responded with fire from heaven, consuming Elijah’s sacrifice (1Kings 18:36-39). This miraculous event underscored the Lord’s disapproval of Israel’s idolatry and called the people back to genuine worship.

Prophetic Admonishment and Call for Repentance

Despite Elijah’s victory, the prophets continuously admonished Israel to repent. The persistent call for repentance echoed throughout the ministries of subsequent prophets, yet the people remained obstinate. Their refusal to abandon false worship led to their downfall (see Hos 8:4-6; Amos 4:4-5).

The Consequences of Continued Apostasy

Israel’s continued apostasy ultimately resulted in their captivity. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom, scattering the ten tribes and bringing an end to the Northern Kingdom. The seeds of their destruction were sown by Jeroboam’s initial departure from true worship.

The Persistence of Errors in Judah

In the southern kingdom of Judah, despite periodic reforms, such as those under King Josiah, errors persisted. Josiah’s reforms were extensive, yet they could not completely eradicate the entrenched practices of idolatry.

Nehemiah’s Acknowledgment of Persistent Disobedience

Centuries later, Nehemiah reflected on Israel’s history of disobedience and idolatry. In his prayer, he acknowledged the persistent sinfulness that had plagued the nation, attributing their suffering to their unfaithfulness (Nehemiah 9:26-37). Nehemiah’s reflection underscores the long-lasting impact of Jeroboam’s initial errors, demonstrating that false worship and disobedience to God’s commands lead to severe consequences.

Conclusion

The establishment of false worship by Jeroboam in 1Kings 12:25-33 had long-lasting effects on the northern kingdom of Israel. This sin was perpetuated by subsequent kings and contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel. Prophets repeatedly condemned these practices and called for repentance, but the people’s persistence in idolatry ultimately led to their downfall and exile. The enduring influence of Jeroboam’s sin is a stark reminder of the consequences of deviating from God’s commands.

Agape,
Spencer

“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7)

4 Keys to an Exciting Worship

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You’ve heard it before, people saying, ‘church is boring.’ Some have even said, ‘I didn’t get anything out of the worship.’ This is one of the main criticisms of the church of Christ is that it’s too boring.

One visitor said, “this isn’t for me.” Another person said, “I’m not drawn to God by the bands, the food and the entertainment, but I would never go to church without them.” More frequently you’ll find folks comparing amenities between ‘churches’ like they choose options when buying a car.

Perhaps you’ve had similar thoughts. There are a variety of reasons people give as to why

their attendance drops off. The preacher is boring, the singing is flat, the building is ugly, the people are cold & unfriendly.

Allow me to make a bold statement, none of these are the reason. You and you alone are the reason worship is boring!

I’ll prove it to you by showing you the 4 keys to VAIN worship and the remedies for making worship exciting.

The 1st reason some find worship boring is they don’t like the old ways. It’s not in VOGUE with today’s music & styles. They’ll also be critical of the building, the pews & any number of things that appear old fashioned.

REMEDY #1; Remember that worship is ordered by God our creator. [John 4:24]. When we stylize worship to our taste buds, we become guilty of worshiping our bellies or our own selves.

“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” [Phil 3:19; cr Col 2:23]

We must do all in the name of Jesus, that means by His permission. We worship the way we do by the scriptural authority of Jesus, the one who purchased the church with His own blood. Remember that, and you’ll instantly see a boost in your excitement.

Reason #2 some find worship cold & boring is that they impugn others motives. They act as mind readers which is impossible. Communication is difficult under the best of circumstances and nearly impossible when you make up thoughts others are having and ATTACK them mentally. Are you not being judgmental yourself?

REMEDY #2; Leave the mind & heart reading to God. We’re not good at it. All we can do is go by their actions & words. Instead of thinking poorly about one another, we’re allowed to think loving thoughts.

“(Love)…thinks no evil;” [1Cor 13:5b]

Reason #3 that folks give is that the people are unfriendly. Really? Let’s see how the typical person enters the building. They come in and walk IMMEDIATELY to a rear pew, on the outside edge speaking to no one as they enter. Then they hold court as if on a “throne” expecting the rest of the congregation to come to them for a greeting. And you’re calling the rest of us cold?! It reminds me of the Pharisees; “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.” [Luke 11:43]

REMEDY #3; Here are 5 simple tricks you can do to instantly feel welcome while making others feel welcome also; SMILE.

  • Stand up, don’t race to sit down.
  • Make eye contact with us. You’re allowed to say hello.
  • Interest in others is a gift you give another.
  • Listen to them & they will listen to you.
  • Expect that others will like you instead of assuming otherwise.

Reason #4 some dislike worship, is that they’re NEEDY.  Needy people sound like this, “I didn’t get anything out of the worship.” What if everybody thought that way, where would the giving be?

REMEDY #4; We need to be NEEDY to give. Jesus said it’s more blessed to give. Worship is designed for givers.

  • Give teaching in song. Eph 5:19, Col 3:16
  • Give of means for spreading gospel. 1Cor 16:1-2
  • Give edification. Eph 4:29-32
  • Give heart to God. Mat 22:37-39, Mark 7:7
  • Give attention to scripture & doctrine. 1Tim 4:13

If you take this in the heart it is given, you will INSTANTLY find more joy in the worship that God has designed.

I love you all.

—Spencer