How can we identify and remove "Asherah poles" in our lives today? Key Scripture Deuteronomy 12:3: “Tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and burn their Asherah poles in the fire. Cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places.” What Were Asherah Poles? • Wooden symbols of the Canaanite fertility goddess Asherah • Erected next to pagan altars, often on high places (2 Kings 17:10) • Represented divided allegiance—worship of the true God mixed with idolatry Why God Demanded Their Destruction • He alone is worthy of worship (Exodus 20:3) • Mixed worship corrupts the heart and the community (Deuteronomy 7:5-6) • Idolatry brings judgment and robs generations of blessing (Judges 2:11-14) Modern-Day Asherah Poles Anything cherished alongside or above God, such as: • Secret sins or addictions (Ephesians 5:11-12) • Obsessive pursuits—career, money, entertainment, social media (Matthew 6:24) • Cultural or family traditions that conflict with Scripture (Mark 7:8-9) • Relationships we value over obedience to Christ (Luke 14:26) • Philosophies that dilute or deny biblical truth (Colossians 2:8) Spotting an Asherah Pole in My Life Ask: • Does it steal my time, affection, or trust from the Lord? • Do I defend or hide it instead of surrendering it? • Would losing it feel like losing life’s meaning? • Does it cause me to compromise clear commands of Scripture? Cutting Them Down 1. Bring it into the light (1 John 1:7). Confession dethrones secrecy. 2. Replace, don’t just remove—establish devoted worship practices: • Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:9-11) • Consistent prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) • Fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25) 3. Destroy access points: • Delete apps, end subscriptions, sever unhealthy ties (Matthew 5:29-30) 4. Renew the mind with truth (Romans 12:2). Memorize verses targeting the idol. 5. Celebrate freedom—offer testimonies of God’s deliverance (Psalm 40:3). Building an Altar to the Lord Instead • Set apart a daily meeting place with God (Mark 1:35). • Dedicate resources—time, talent, finances—to kingdom purposes (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). • Serve others sacrificially (Galatians 5:13). • Teach the next generation undiluted truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Encouragement Going Forward 2 Chronicles 15:8: “When Asa heard these words… he took courage, and removed the detestable idols from the whole land… and restored the altar of the LORD.” The same courage and power of God stand ready for us today—tear down every Asherah pole and walk in undivided devotion. |
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