But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him. And as though it were not enough to follow the sinful example of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to bow down in worship of Baal. 1 Kings 16:30-31
When we think about idols, we often think about statues that people keep in their homes that they bow down and worship. If we only think of idol worship in this way, many would assume that idol worship is not a struggle for us. However, the truth is that idols come in various forms, and physical statues are only one form of idolatry. An idol is anything or person we put in the place that only God deserves, and the idols that are not physical statues are more difficult to recognize. Our idols can be anything that consumes our energy, thoughts, and time. We have an idol when we look for meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in anything instead of God. Regardless of what the idol is, Scripture makes it clear that idols have no place in our lives. This was a lesson that the Israelites constantly had to learn throughout the Bible.
We see in 1 Kings 16 that Israel had a new king, Ahab. Now, Ahab was a wicked king. Scripture tells us that “he did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel than any of the other kings of Israel before him” (verse 33). You see, Ahab worshiped an idol, the false god Baal, and even built a temple and altar for Baal (verses 31-32). He was a terrible influence on Israel, and God was very angry, as we have already seen. God was so angry because Ahab treated this idol as if it was God, placing it in a position that only God deserves. Therefore, God needed a prophet to set things right in Israel. Elijah was set apart to confront the Israelites for their idolatry sin and turn the nation back to the Lord.
As it was with Ahab and the other Israelites who worshiped Baal, God is still angry when we have idols in our lives today. You see, whatever holds a higher place in our lives than God is an idol. These idols can be sneaky. We may not even realize we have them! Our idols can be another relationship, a career pathway, a physical possession, or simply wealth. These are just a few things in our lives that may become idols if we are not careful. When we identify these idols, we can begin to get rid of them. Is there something in your life that you know you have elevated above God? It’s time to let go of these idols and turn to God.
Moving Toward Action
If we want to let go of any idols we have in our lives, we must first acknowledge these idols. Take some time to examine your own life. What has taken the place in your life that only God deserves? Maybe it is a person, career, material possession, or something else. If you need help identifying potential idols, think about a time when you were stressed, anxious, or worried this last week. What was your response to that situation? Did you immediately get on Instagram, turn on the television, call a friend, or did you pray and spend time in the Lord’s presence? Ask the Holy Spirit to clearly show you the idols you have in your life. Spend some time praying, and confess any idols in your life to God. Tell Him that you are sorry for placing anything over him in your life. Commit to letting go of these idols and ask Him to help you as you seek to do this.
1 Kings 16:29-34 (NLT)
Ahab son of Omri began to rule over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of King Asa’s reign in Judah. He reigned in Samaria twenty-two years. But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, even more than any of the kings before him. And as though it were not enough to follow the sinful example of Jeroboam, he married Jezebel, the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians, and he began to bow down in worship of Baal. First Ahab built a temple and an altar for Baal in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. He did more to provoke the anger of the Lord, the God of Israel, than any of the other kings of Israel before him.
It was during his reign that Hiel, a man from Bethel, rebuilt Jericho. When he laid its foundations, it cost him the life of his oldest son, Abiram. And when he completed it and set up its gates, it cost him the life of his youngest son, Segub. This all happened according to the message from the Lord concerning Jericho spoken by Joshua son of Nun.
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