In what ways can we guard against modern-day "high places" in our lives? Key Verse “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also crushed the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.” (2 Kings 18:4) Setting the Scene • King Hezekiah’s reforms show wholehearted devotion: he didn’t just tidy up idol worship—he demolished it. • “High places” were elevated sites where Israel mixed true worship with pagan practice, letting culture redefine obedience. • Scripture commends Hezekiah because he acted decisively, not partially (2 Kings 18:5-6). What Were the High Places? • Unauthorized altars (1 Kings 12:31). • Blended worship—Yahweh plus local deities (2 Kings 17:32-33). • Convenient, popular, emotionally satisfying spots that ignored God’s explicit command to worship at the temple alone (Deuteronomy 12:2-5). Modern Parallels High places survive whenever anything competes with Christ’s exclusive lordship: • Entertainment turned obsession • Career or success becoming an identity • Relationships ranked above obedience • Technology that captivates heart and time • Ideologies that override biblical truth Recognizing Our Own High Places Ask where you: • Justify compromise—“God understands; it’s only once.” • Protect habits—“It’s harmless; everyone does it.” • Experience pangs of anger or panic when a possession, pastime, or person is threatened. • Spend the bulk of discretionary time, thought, and money (Matthew 6:21). Practical Steps to Take Them Down • Replace, don’t merely remove. Hezekiah crushed the bronze serpent; he didn’t store it. Substitute God-honoring practices (Colossians 3:5-10). • Saturate the mind with truth. Daily Scripture intake renews priorities (Romans 12:2). • Cultivate accountable community. Spirit-filled friends help expose blind spots (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Fast strategically. Abstaining from lawful pleasures re-teaches that only God satisfies (Psalm 63:5). • Schedule worship first. Corporate and private worship anchor the heart (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Celebrate small victories. Each dismantled high place strengthens resolve for the next (Philippians 1:6). Living Out the Victory • Expect opposition—within (flesh) and without (culture). Hezekiah faced political threats yet stayed faithful (2 Kings 18:17-30). • Lean on the Spirit’s power. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). • Keep eyes on Christ, the greater Hezekiah, who “always lives to intercede for us” (Hebrews 7:25). As His finished work secures us, His ongoing work empowers us to guard against every modern-day high place. |
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