October 24, 2024
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. 1 Kings 3:3
During Solomon’s reign as king the worship of God deteriorated.
The LORD had commanded the Israelites to remove all of the high places that were dedicated to the worship of false gods (Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 7:5, 12:1, 33:29). They were to worship and sacrifice unto the LORD God alone and this was to be done at the Tabernacle, which was located at Gibeon when Solomon became king. Instead many of the high places remained intact and were used by the people to worship the LORD.
Why was this?
It was due to convenience – it was easier to offer sacrifices where they were instead of traveling to Gibeon. Worship became about them, and not the LORD. The same can be seen today. “Does it fit with my schedule?”, “do I have time?”, “what will I get out of it?”, or “is it convenient?” are some of the thoughts that determine how and when people worship God. Worship of the LORD should never be about us. If so, it is wrong.
It was due to compromise – it mixed mankind’s ideas and notions with God’s divine direction. To the people it seemed like a good idea, they could worship the LORD on top of high places like others did their gods. It seemed harmless, but the problem, it was not what the LORD determined. God had a place for them to worship and sacrifice unto Him. They were not to create their own way but follow what God had established. By adding to and changing the LORD’S method of worship they hindered their relationship with Him. The people became worldly and spiritually weak.
Whenever the LORD’S ways become tainted with mankind’s ideas there will be confusion and problems. Do your best to follow God’s direction so you can correctly worship and glorify Him.
Thanks for reading…
Pastor Ramirez