Destroying altars (Part 2 of 2)

Judges 6:24-27

The task of destroying altars built for other gods cannot be completed in one day, it must be a daily routine. This is critical especially when one takes cognizance of the fact that some of the existing idols are not tangible. Destroying environments that encourage or enable the worship of other gods must be an ongoing process.

Matthew 7:13-14: Jesus is witnessed here instructing his church to “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. For small is the gate and narrow road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (NIV). It goes without saying that the small gate and narrow road that leads to life do not allow everything in. Either one trims their luggage or make use of an alternative gate and road.

The gate and road recommended by Jesus are restrictive in nature, and according to this passage, very few choose this gate. Though many would love to choose it, their disinclination to let go of certain things makes it impossible for them to enter through it. It is, therefore, safe to conclude that not everyone who is on the road to destruction chose it deliberately. It is sometimes our reluctance to part ways with certain things that automatically put us on this path. Many may argue that the wide gate and road are better because one is allowed to carry as much as they want. The path is not restrictive and free for all.

Though serving other gods may seem attractive and liberating as it is non-restrictive the end results are dire. One may win a lot of friends in the process as s/he is able to become different things to different people, however, the end results remain undesirable.

Some of the conversations I had with some of my friends in the recent past indicate that the “opposition” is no longer eager to argue whether Jesus is the way to God or not; however, the new argument places more emphasis on him not being the only way. To some, it is okay to acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus, as long as one can explore other ways as well. This is in direct contradiction with the exclusivity God demands from those that serve him, as illustrated in our text. The text leaves no room for any form of confusion as worship is reserved only for God. Choosing God is coupled with accepting these restrictions, and one who makes this choice must exercise some restraint.

Conclusion

Our brief discussion of the instruction given to Gideon (to destroy altars built for other gods) has uncovered the importance of the environment in ensuring that we bow to no foreign gods. Keeping the environment that encourages worship of other gods has a way of ruining our relationship with God. We have also established that some of the environments that make worshiping other gods easier are not forbidden in the scriptures, however, by continuing to expose ourselves to them we risk finding ourselves doing exactly what God warns us to guard against. Getting rid of these undesired environments remains our daily task.

Making sacrifices comes automatically when choosing to worship God, as he demands exclusiveness. The failure to make necessary sacrifices becomes a stumbling block to our quest to worship God.