Daily Devotions
Why We Struggle With Idolatry
Reading for March 22nd: Judges 10-12
The people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth, the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites, and the gods of the Philistines. And they forsook the LORD and did not serve him.
Judges 10:6
Why was idolatry such a continual problem during the period of the judges?
Two reasons are given. First, they didn't drive out the inhabitants. Joshua had warned the people of what would happen if they failed to do this (Josh 24:11-13). The angel of the LORD said the same thing to them at Bochim (Judges 2:1-3).
Second, they were not strong or determined enough to keep the Law. Once again, Joshua had told the leaders that this would be the only way they would "cling to the LORD" and be successful (Josh 23:6, 8; also 1:6-8).
These are the two reasons why idolatry is such a problem among God's people today. We are not diligently driving out evil influences among us. We are not protecting our hearts or the hearts of our children as we should. We're joining in covenants with the peoples around us and these peoples have become thorns in our sides.
We are also failing to teach and to be strong to do all the law that God gave us. We are not careful to do all that God has commanded but are adopting the attitudes and patterns of the nations around us.
Father, we repent in dust and ashes! Forgive us for our desire to be like the world. Give us more grace that we might put away our idols and declare Your glory by living sanctified lives for You!
