What modern "high places" might distract us from fully obeying God? Setting the Scene 2 Kings 18:4: “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and crushed the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the Israelites had burned incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)” High places were literal hilltop shrines where God’s people mixed worship of the LORD with pagan practices. The verse shows Hezekiah’s uncompromising obedience—he tore every rival altar down so Judah could give undivided devotion to God. Original Context: Ancient High Places • Elevated sites often felt “closer” to the divine, enticing Israel to blend in with surrounding cultures. • Sacrifices, fertility rites, and incense were offered, violating Deuteronomy 12:2-4, which commands worship at God’s chosen place alone. • Even well-intentioned objects (the bronze serpent, Numbers 21:9) became idols once they stole affection that belonged to God. Defining Modern High Places Anything that captures heart-loyalty, absorbs time, shapes priorities, or directs trust more than the Lord functions as a high place today. Colossians 3:5 calls such attachments “idolatry.” Common Contemporary High Places • Technology and screens—constant connection, entertainment, and information vying for first place (Psalm 119:37). • Career and achievement—pursuit of status, promotion, and self-glory eclipsing the pursuit of God (Matthew 16:26). • Money and material security—hoarding, consumerism, and anxiety about possessions (1 Timothy 6:9-10). • Relationships—placing spouse, children, or friends above obedience to Christ (Luke 14:26). • Personal comfort—living for ease, leisure, or health rather than sacrificial service (Romans 12:1). • Social media identity—measuring worth by likes and followers instead of God’s approval (Galatians 1:10). • Political allegiance—allowing nationalism or party loyalty to supersede kingdom loyalty (Philippians 3:20). • Sensual indulgence—pornography, substance abuse, or gluttony promising escape and pleasure (1 Peter 2:11). • Religious tradition—rituals cherished more than the God they point to, similar to Nehushtan (Mark 7:8-9). • Self-reliance—trusting personal wisdom, planning, or morality over the Spirit’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-6). Steps to Dismantle Our Altars • Identify competing loves by measuring where thoughts, time, and treasure go (Matthew 6:21). • Repent decisively, following Hezekiah’s example of removal, not mere reduction (James 4:8). • Replace idols with active worship—Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship, and service (Acts 2:42). • Guard the heart continually; idols can return if vigilance lapses (1 Corinthians 10:14). • Celebrate the supremacy of Christ, who alone satisfies (Psalm 16:11; John 6:35). Closing Reflection Just as high places once dotted Judah’s hills, modern altars can populate the landscape of daily life. The Spirit calls believers to the wholehearted obedience shown in 2 Kings 18:4, tearing down every rival and enthroning Christ above all. |
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