The Perils Of Compromise

“Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them.” 2 Kings 17:35

There came a time in the history of Israel that, because of their rejection of God, refusing to adhere to His covenant and obey His commandments, that they became idolatrous, adopting the godless practices of the peoples around them.  The result was that God removed His protective wall around them, allowing the Assyrians to invade both Israel and Judah.  At one point, the kiing of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and surrounding areas, and placed them in Israelite cities.  Scripture tells us that they “…possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.” (2 Kings 17:24).  This strategy of the Assyrians produced somewhat the effect that was intended. However, God, in a most original way, would work to begin bringing the people back to Him, even though the Assyrians still ruled.  He sent lions among these cities, which killed some of the people.  The  inhabitants then called upon the  Assyrian king to remedy the situation because, as they put it, “…the nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land.” (2 Kings 17:26) Because of this, one of the priests that had been carried away from Samaria came, and dwelt at Bethel, to teach the people “the fear of the Lord.” (v.29) The result was that the people then feared the Lord, reverenced and respected Him, but they did not forsake their worship and service to their own gods.  They continued in their idolatrous, godless practices of worship, even burning their children.  This compromise of seeking to fear the Lord, and continuing to fear other gods, proved to be disastrous, for it was a direct and blatant contradicion to what God had commanded His people.  To make the matter ever so clear, the Lord had explicitly told His people through Moses, “…Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them.” (v.35) Why did the Lord command this? First and foremost is the fact that He alone, and forever, is the only true, and living God.  Secondly, He alone knows why He made man, and how man is to live on this earth in a manner that is worthy of Him, resulting in the believer’s true blessing. In fact, another part of the message that God gave to His people, relating to their circumstances and situation was this: “But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and He shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.” (v.39) The question then becomes, “Who is truly on the Lord’s side, without compromise in the worship of something, or someone, other than the true and living God?”

It would be some time later, when the Lord raised up King Hezekiah in Judah, that revival would come to the land, and there would be a turning back to God.  However, that work of the Spirit would be opposed again by the king of Assyria.  This time though, there would be found a king, a priest, and a people, who would not compromise with regard to worshipping the Lord.  That which characterized Hezekiah in those days was that “…He removed the high places, and brake the images, anc cut down the groves (or idols), and brake in pieces even the brasen serpent that Moses had made, but which had become an object of worship.  He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, clinging to Him, not departing from following HIm, and keeping His commandments.  The result would be that when Assyria came again, seeking the surrender of Hezekiah and the people, there would be the earnest seeking of God first and foremost to save the people.  By the words of Isaiah, hope was given to the people: “Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the kng of Assyria have blasphemed Me.” (19:6) God would deliver Israel, and this twice, dealing directly with the Assyrians and their leaders.

Dear Father, Give us uncompromising hearts to follow Christ. In Jesus’ name,  Amen.