QT 28 Dec 10

1 Kings 13:33-34 (NIV) Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. 34 This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth.

NOTE: Jeroboam is guilty of a number of sins. The foremost was the creation of the two idols on high places. The second is appointing priests incorrectly. At the time, they had to be members of the Levites. One could not just choose to be a priest; they could choose to be a teacher of the law provided they are recognized by two other teachers of the law. By allowing anyone to be a priest, Jeroboam takes the position away from being a sacred duty to a common job. When the position was maintained within a tribe, the tribe self-assessed itself. Now, there is no history of correct activity, but any idea or practice can be added into the worship. And the worship is no longer valid anyway, since it is a worship of idols and demons. To a certain extent, Solomon is also guilty in this result. His wives and his choices at the end confused the people. Jeroboam's leadership in this regard is even worse and he basically throws standards, and the checks and balances out the window for the purpose of power.

We are not under the law, and in fact, we are a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. We have the temple of God within us, and the Spirit of God resides in each believer. In that sense, little of the example of Jeroboam applies. Obviously, we cannot make idols or worship idols. Our idols and our worship of them are much more sophisticated. Rather than an idol on the wall, our homes and possessions have become for many their idol. And like, Jeroboam, many allow any old idea to take up residence in their mind regarding God and worship, rather than taking the thought or idea up against the standard given to us in the word of God. Not all ideas are equal, or even good, despite how they sound. God has given us his word, a mind to think, and the His Spirit within us to discern truth. But, we need to use them! Just having them, does us no good if they are not utilized.