When considering wolves in sheep’s clothing, we might envision some slick-haired salesman lugging his box of snake oil from house to house. Yet too often nothing could be further from the truth. There are many warnings from Scripture admonishing the saints to pay careful attention as we traverse through this planet’s deadly terrain. We are instructed not to believe every spirit, but to test the spirits (Jeremiah 29:9; Matthew 7:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1) indicating that the enemy of our souls is very good at keeping up appearances. Sometimes it’s not only difficult to detect a false teaching or teacher, but often it’s even more difficult to come to grips with the notion that an inspiring, talented, enthusiastic young adult might actually be used as a mouthpiece of Satan.
Granted, we should use godly wisdom in discerning whether a person leading others in the enemy’s lies is simply misguided or really out to deceive and destroy. The times in which we live are most definitely filled with muddied waters. God’s Word clearly indicates there are a growing number that are not only deceiving, but also being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13) There are those who actually believe they are doing God’s business (John 16:2) when, in fact, it is the god of this world they are serving. This brief article will not deal too much with the latter, but instead will hopefully serve as a warning and an encouragement in examining one very defined avenue of lies presented by one specific person.
Let it also be said that in today’s lukewarm Christian climate, there is a powerful embrace and strong misunderstanding regarding the “live and let live” philosophy pervading every facet of our earthly existence. Instead of being the new and improved super highway it’s cracked up to be, this broad road of tolerance is in actuality paved with the blood of the saints. Over the years, many have given their lives for the Gospel’s sake and yet today, there are whole segments of professing Christianity unwilling to take a stand on the exclusivity of eternal life found in Jesus Christ. They are however all too ready and willing to embrace a vast array of wickedness and deceptive darkness in order to display their friendship with the world; all in the name of tolerance (and enlightenment).
Jesus, however, had a much different proclamation regarding the fellowship of darkness and light. His prayer to the Father was that we would be in the world, but not of it. John 17:15. We’re also reminded that “friendship with the world is enmity (hatred) toward God.” James 4:4. How can there be true fellowship between light and darkness? Yes, we should be friendly, but never friends with this world and it’s dark philosophies and practices. How can light embrace the darkness and still call itself light?
It was stated above that it’s sometimes most difficult to come to grips with the fact that certain personalities might actually be leading others in a false direction. Any good salesman knows that one of his most powerful tools is his own personality. Not to say there’s anything necessarily wrong with working on having a pleasant personality, but we all know there are certain dispositions in which people tend to gravitate. Someone peddling falsehood with an unlikable attitude might be easily dismissed, even exposed. But someone who comes across genuine, someone energetic and interesting to listen to, perhaps even musically or artistically talented might be much more difficult to detect and even harder to speak out against.
Society has always been a lover and worshipper of man’s wisdom, strength, and wealth. Unfortunately, much of today’s Christianity is not much different. We prop up certain actors, pastors, and speakers on billboards, Christian magazine covers, TV segments, and in bookstores. They are looked up to as our heroes and heroines, giving them the seats of honor within our hearts and minds, forgetting it is God alone that deserves all the glory, honor, and praise. Some of these people are given full and free access to the pulpit, allowing the sheep to be fleeced and fed worldly manna over and over, causing them to grow anemic and impotent against this world and its destructive methods. Instead of reminding the sheep of the hope we have in Heaven, too often these false teachings encourage listeners to grow their roots deep into this planet, letting go of their heavenly hopes. Of course this is not true of all those on the “stage” today, but one thing is for sure, Christians are not immune from the power of personalities.
As saints, we are set apart for the service of our King, not those who set themselves up as earthly authorities. Sadly, too many churches have started much in part because of one person’s magnetic personality. As believers, we are not to sit idly by in our labor of love unto the Lord, nor are we to sit in silence, quietly giving approval to falsehood proclaimed to the masses. Are we not called by God to expose the works of darkness? Ephesians 5:11. Are we not called to reprove, correct, and exhort with all longsuffering? 2 Timothy 4:2 This world is daily peddling its false doctrines to the church and we too often just politely smile. Over time the church has become an unwitting participant in receiving and assisting in the circulation of their snake oil. May we diligently ask the Lord to remove our dull hearing and blind eyes and instead give us careful, discerning hearts and minds to detect those things that are sometimes difficult to see and hear. May we ask the Lord to give us a love for the truth, a love for Jesus Christ! May we desire to earnestly feast on His Word, spiritually fasting from this world!
The world lines up to have its flesh entertained, loving pleasure more that God, and sadly God’s people too often love to have it so. Church meetings have not remained a time for the saints to gather and proclaim the glory of God, but rather a place we go once a week to be entertained. We might as well sell soda and popcorn at the doorways. We go to our movie theaters and concerts on Friday nights and then expect the same show on Sunday mornings.
Above were mentioned some of the positions lifted up in today’s Christian world, but one was intentionally omitted. It is arguably one of the most powerful positions in the Christian world today. It is the title of “Worship Leader”. This person, perhaps even more than the pastor, has the power to “prime” and direct the audience week after week. This article is not meant to address the many facets of worship, however suffice it to say that music is an extremely powerful tool, one that can easily access the soul, often bypassing logic and reason. Perhaps more than any other medium, music is the vehicle most often chosen to drive an audience in a particular direction. If you disagree, try watching any cinematic masterpiece with the sound off. You cannot go to just about any retail restaurant or popular clothing store without being bombarded with music. And not only is it a powerful main character in the world of entertainment and marketing, but it’s also a tremendous tool in promoting false doctrine and seductive spiritual counterfeits around the world.
Some musicians propped up and circulated by today’s “Christian” platforms and pulpits are at best novices in the faith, puffed up through the adoration and accolades of men, while others are truly false teachers masquerading as angels of light. Sadly, due to their talent and strong stage presence countless thousands within the body of Christ have found themselves distracted and directed by the darkness derived from the spirit of this world. What is perhaps most troubling is the readiness by which so many musicians and worship leaders are received and promoted regardless of their lifestyles, doctrines, and associations. Mature pastors and elders within the body should know better, however too often they are the ones promoting and even hosting concerts and conferences that help sow the seeds of this world’s teachings of tolerance, fleshly faith, and false unity.
It’s bad enough to be peddling snake oil, selling some worthless, yet benign elixir to the masses. How much worse to be packaging and promoting a product that not only doesn’t work, but in all actuality is poisonous to all who partake? The remainder of this article will examine one such peddler, yet it is not the intent here to examine his motives but rather the facts at hand. As with any persuasive and positive personality, it will perhaps become easy for readers to misunderstand the intent behind the remainder of the article. There is no desire to malign on a personal level nor is there any desire to disparage this musician’s character or perceived intent; however there is clearly a destructive message being sold to the masses, often to the most vulnerable, the youth within the visible church at large. The person in question is musician and evangelist, Matt Maher.
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Matt has been propped up and promoted around the world as a Christian singer and songwriter and is currently touring cross country with the several well known groups in “The Rock and Worship Road Tour”. Matt has
both written songs for himself, as well as for several within the Christian community. Perhaps one of his most recognizable songs is “Your Grace is Enough” which was released a few years ago and quickly accepted within Christians circles around the world.
Matt has written songs for well-recognized Christian musicians such as Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin (i.e. I Will Rise), Philips, Craig, and Dean, and Bethany Dillon. Regardless of their mixed doctrinal beliefs, especially concerning eschatology (end times); all of these artists are some of the most instrumental in producing today’s worship music. They are embraced by churches around the world. Needless to say, they have many avenues already paved, readily accessing the hearts and minds of listeners across the globe. How easy it is for a false teaching or teacher to hop aboard, sharing lies that will lead listeners astray?
Although Matt Mahar is a talented musician with a warm and humble persona, although he is warmly embraced and promote by the well known performers such as Chris Tomlin and Third Day’s Mac Powell, he is far from a follower of the true Jesus Christ. But please don’t take this writer’s opinion for it. Here are just a few facts from recent years.
First consider Matt’s own words. He admittedly considers himself much more than just a talented worship leader. He sees himself as a music missionary. He was recently quoted to say, “It’s funny but more and more I see myself as an apologist and as an evangelist. Songs are my tool.” From the same article, Matt was quoted to say, “I would love for them to not be thinking about me but to be thinking about God. My hope is that they would have an encounter with God. I hope it isn’t about the person writing and singing the song. My hope is that the music would just whisk them away to a holy place. That is my heart more than anything.” (Full interview link below)
On the surface that might sound biblical, but is he really referring to the Christian God? It is important to examine what else He has said and done. Matt has not only given interviews for magazines and websites, but he’s also done many performances for a variety of venues. He has played and spoken at many Roman Catholic events including such prestigious gatherings as the World Youth Day. Readers may or may not know that Matt has never claimed to be a Bible believing, born again Christian. He is Roman Catholic, through and through.
He does not try to, in any way, shape, or form, hide his love for the Roman Catholic church and its many false doctrines. In one of his popular Roman Catholic songs entitled “The End and The Beginning”, he wrote, “If everything that the Roman Catholic Church taught were true what difference would it make in our lives? We believe that in every single Mass, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the bread and the wine are transformed into the Flesh and the Blood of Jesus. Transubstantiation – Heaven kisses earth. We become a living tabernacle. So wisdom, be attentive. Steady my shaken mind. Let this be my reality. More than just bread and wine…” This alone should be enough to convince anyone that Matt is at best a professing Christian. In reality, he is a devoted practicing Roman Catholic.
Even though this article is not meant to focus on the false gospel of Rome, it is important to at least point out the glaring difference between the true Gospel of Jesus and the false gospel of Rome. According to Rome’s official doctrines, anyone who believes he is saved by grace alone through faith alone is accursed, that is damned to hell. (Council of Trent, Canon 12- “If any one shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy pardoning sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is that confidence alone by which we are justified . . . let him be accursed.”) In order for someone to enter Rome’s heaven, he must not, as the Bible teaches, simply place his faith in the full, free, and finished work of Jesus. (Romans 3:20-28). Instead he is taught that sin is removed little by little, week after week through a series of rituals such as partaking of the Eucharist, reciting rote prayers, etc. Below are several You Tube links of Matt Mahar and his connections to Roman Catholicism, along with a couple other links as well.
Sadly, Matt has been warmly embraced by all variety of well-known Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Mac Powell, and Philips, Craig, and Dean. Currently Matt is touring with several artists in “The Rock and Worship Road Show”, singing, speaking, and ministering to literally hundreds of thousands across the country. Some of the other artists on the tour include David Crowder, Jamie Grace, and Mercy Me. (Incidentally, the “Road Show” will be performing in Phoenix on March 22nd.) Matt also recently made a guest appearance for Third Day’s concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City on March 3rd.
There are those in the Christian music world, such as Dan Haseltine from Jars of Clay, that don’t want to be held accountable for doctrinal errors they share, believing musicians should not be looked up to as teachers. This is dangerous enough. How much worse when an unbeliever dressed in wooly clothes sincerely sees himself as an evangelist and his music simply as his tool? The question must be lovingly asked, of what does Matt considers himself an evangelist? He clearly understands and supports Roman Catholicism. He clearly believes in the unbiblical idea that Eucharist has the power to cleanse partakers of their sins. He most definitely embraces and encourages the practice of Rome’s false gospel to millions of youth and adults alike. He has made no effort to hide any of this and yet, thanks to assistance of the Christian music world, his message and evangelistic crusade now have full access to the hearts and minds of tens of thousands within the true body of Christ. How tragic! Which is worse, the person openly promoting his false gospel or those claiming to know the true Gospel who hand him the keys to the front door?
So what are we to do? As far as I can see, there are three choices. First, we could embrace Roman Catholicism and all of its false religious teachings, supporting it and saying nothing to all those who are being led astray. Or we could choose to agree that Rome’s gospel is false, but still support the songs of artists such as Matt Mahar because they at least sound “Christian”. The challenges in this article to identify the dangers of personality probably most apply to those who lean toward this second option. Too often those who privately understand the falsehood of Rome’s gospel, will still support and even promote artists such as Matt Mahar because their music sounds so “Christian” and they seem so religious and sincere.
May we never forget when Rome speaks of God’s grace it has a completely unbiblical definition for it. When Matt sings “Your grace is enough”, the Roman Catholic will inject his own traditional definition for grace, not the biblical one. Rome teaches grace, but in order to enjoy and apply God’s grace, one MUST go to the Roman Catholic church time after time, partaking of its rituals and religious traditions such as the Eucharist. Unfortunately, we too often make the mistake of assuming others have the same definitions as us. It is always important we listen carefully to what people are actually saying in order to discern truth from error, weighing everything against God’s Word.
Our third choice is one that many may find most difficult. In Ephesians 5, Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit reminds us, “For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:8-11. Not only are we instructed not to participate in those activities that promote false doctrines, we are also to lovingly, yet truthfully expose them. This is the avenue that will often cause the most controversy. Darkness does not enjoy the light, nor do lies embrace the complete truth. Of course, it goes without says that we are to always speak the truth in love, with the Lord’s peace and joy in our hearts, knowing it is His Word, not ours, that effectually works in the hearts and minds of broken and contrite men.
May this article both serve to instruct and encourage true saints to continue fighting the good fight of faith, never growing weary in doing well. Remember, it is the Lord who goes before and behind. May we never lose sight of Him, having the sole intention of pointing everyone to Jesus Christ, and Him alone. That might mean exposing and correcting from time to time. That might mean naming names once and a while. It might mean not going along with the popular Christian crowd, but in the end what could be greater than knowing we have chosen to make Jesus our one and only treasure now and forever?
“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God…For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” 2 Corinthians 4:1-7
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:3-9
Matt Mahar Interview Article: http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/17/catholic-rocker-matt-maher-finds-cross-over-appeal-among-evangelicals/
More on Roman Catholicism: http://www.once-lost.com/ggapologetics/catholicism
More on Worship: https://unityinthetruth.com/2010/10/03/as-we-worship/
You Tube Videos: Matt Mahar, Roman Catholicism, and the New Evangelicalism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eX5BeXkNZU LI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3rjEmPxcLI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky0g_9dyhbU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIgGHA27nG4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYR_sZRv_c4
God’s Word — A Profitable and Practical Reminder from 2 Kings 17
One of the very practical purposes it serves is to remind mankind that there really is nothing new under the sun. God’s Word is a historical reminder of His love and justice, mankind’s arrogance and pride, and Satan’s repeated attempts to kill, steal, and destroy. This historical and prophetic record we call the Bible is a very practical guide, revealing past and future accounts all for our benefit. The Holy Spirit reminds us in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” God went to great lengths to not only preserve His Word, but also to make sure certain historical events were meticulously recorded. And since it is God who inspired the men who wrote His Word, not only are the events revealed accurately, but also those unseen areas, the intentions of men’s hearts. May we take careful heed to what has been recorded and preserved for every generation!
The Old Testament is filled with Israel’s choices, both godly and ungodly. Sadly, many were the latter. Their decisions, though, serve two very important purposes for us today. First, they remind us that godly choices always lead to a beautiful walk with the Lord. Second, they remind us that ungodly choices are deceptive and common to every generation, even in our’s today.
After reading through 2 Kings 17 the last few days, I couldn’t help but think of the constant barrage of today’s false doctrines, namely the purpose driven and emergent teachings not only infiltrating churches, but being warmly embraced and taught, all in the name of the Lord. It seems just as Israel had sought out so many false doctrines from the world around them, fearing men instead of God, so the same is being repeated today. Perhaps a bit repackaged, Satan’s strategies are actually all too familiar, promising something new, but in the end always leading men further and further into darkness.
I’ve chosen to include a few comments below in brackets. Just a disclaimer and loving reminder- the comments are not inspired. May we truly take heed to God’s Word, letting it thoroughly transform and renew us, bringing eternal patience and comfort, all for our hope and His glory!
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2 Kings 17:7-17
7 For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,
[God brought His people out of Egypt, never desiring to lead them back. Egypt serves as a continual and clear example of man’s empty and dangerous philosophies and methodologies, teachings derived many times through sorcery and other occult practices. Exodus 7:11; 2 Timothy 3:8.]
8 And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.
[Not only did they fear other gods, the gods the Lord cast out, they also walked in the statutes or philosophies of the heathen. Today it’s even easier for professing saints and true believers to pick up the latest psychology and church growth books without even “walking” anywhere. Now we can simply google the information in our own homes.]
9 And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
[Even though their false deeds were done in secret, they weren’t hidden from God. The Lord knew what was going on. Also, it’s more than a bit ironic that the people built high places starting with the tower of the watchmen.]
10 And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:
11 And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the Lord carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger:
[This generation wasn’t the first to provoke the Lord to anger. May we consider carefully our actions against our loving God, never provoking Him to anger! Let us not forget that one of God’s names is Jealous. Exodus 34:4.]
12 For they served idols, whereof the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
[God spoke plainly. No means no, no matter what a relativistic society says. God was not merely addressing a belief system or He would have said, “Ye shall not believe these things.” God is clear. Whatever one believes will be practiced. It’s not enough to just say we don’t believe something. We must also stop doing those things as well. May we seek the Lord in giving us the power to overcome those areas that hold us close to this world.]
13 Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.
[Be encouraged, in every generation, there are always a few willing to speak God’s Word. May we choose to be among the minority desiring to earnestly stand upon the Rock, boldly and faithfully proclaiming His truth, not willing to embrace this world’s evils.]
14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the Lord their God.
[It was their desire, not God’s, to harden their necks. A stiff neck is very painful, preventing a man from ever looking up.]
15 And they rejected His statutes, and His covenant that He made with their fathers, and His testimonies which He testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them, that they should not do like them.
[This one verse speaks of God 6 times, 5 in pronoun form, all pointing to God’s strong desire to be faithful, just, and true with Israel. Yet despite the Lord’s pursuing love, they chose to follow after vanity, which ultimately led to becoming altogether vain. We’ve all heard it said you are what you eat. A true saying from 2 Kings 17:15 would be, “You become what (or who) you follow.” As men followed after vanity they became vain. Just like Adam and Eve’s desire for knowledge apart from God, Israel diligently sought the God-hating, idol worshiping nations around them for earthly wisdom and methods to conduct both their lives and the nation as a whole. This verse speaks loudly of the dangerous potential of every unchecked heart, even of those born again. The vain doctrines of Satan have been passed along to foolish unbelievers seeking ungodly knowledge, power, glory,and honor. Sadly, many of these doctrines have been embraced and even taught in today’s professing church. Today’s relativistic, sight-walking emergent church movement is a prime example. Despite the many clear warnings from Scripture not to run after the world’s teachings, the emergent movement has willingly become a mixture of New Age philosophies and Catholicism wrapped in church growth methodologies. Just as Israel ran after other methods and doctrines, so the warning from God for our generation stands- “We should not do like them.”]
16 And they left all the commandments of the Lord their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshiped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
[They didn’t leave some of God’s commandments, but all. To run after the world, one must turn his back altogether on God and His Word.]
17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.
[Many of the false doctrines of witchcraft have been deceptively introduced into the professing church through the idea of methodology. Yoga isn’t a form of occultism. Rather it is now simply a method for centering one’s mind to know God better. Vain, repetitious prayers are nothing more than methods for helping one be still and know God. On and on go the lies. Yoga isn’t just a neutral method. It is a Hinduistic practice centered around worshiping many of their false gods, serving as a means to attain freedom from the wheel of reincarnation. And although vain, repetition prayers are strictly forbidden by Jesus in the Bible (Matthew 6:7), many of those in emergent churches, and even other churches, have begun practicing and teaching people this awful doctrine rooted in Eastern mysticism.]
2 Kings 17:20-29
20 And the Lord rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until He had cast them out of His sight.
[Praise God for His correction. God does not behave like many of today’s parents. He didn’t just turn a blind eye on Israel’s actions, rather He lovingly and justly corrected them. Even though Israel was disobedient, God promised Abraham that He would preserve Israel. Just like them, all who have been truly born again can rest assured, confident in the faithfulness of God. He promises eternal life to all who believe in Him. We have the Holy Spirit in us as a deposit, sealing us to the day of redemption. (2 Corinthians 1:22. Although we stumble, we can have confidence that He who began a good work in us will complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6. God’s Word of course will by no means serve as a cloak for those false prophets who are deceiving and being deceived. Nothing is hid from God. May we carefully examine ourselves to be sure we are truly in the faith, to be sure we truly understand the grace of God. 2 Corinthians 13:5.]
21 For He rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following the Lord, and made them sin a great sin.
[Here is a perfect example of a people driven from following the Lord. The flock of God ought never be “driven”, rather a good shepherd leads the sheep. As examples of Christ, we should first be good followers of Him, then choosing to intentionally lead others to Jesus. It’s been said that cattle are driven, but sheep are led. To do this correctly, we need God’s love, both for the lost and for His bride. Driving people implies forcing them to do something against their wills. Jeroboam drove people from following the Lord and made them sin a great sin. May it never be said of us today!]
22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them;
[Although we sometimes may step into the sins of this world, we can choose to depart at any time. May we choose to depart quickly, remembering the longer we stay ensnared, the more difficult departure becomes.]
23 Until the Lord removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.
[God told them what would happen before it happened so that men might know that He is God. John 13:19.]
24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof.
[When God’s Word is abandoned the world will always fill the vacuum in abundance. So it is in many of today’s professing churches.]
25 And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the Lord: therefore the Lord sent lions among them, which slew some of them.
26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore He hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
[God’s expectation is that all people would seek after Him. His judgment here would be foolish if the people from these nations could not choose to turn to the True and Living God.]
27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land.
[What an opportunity to teach God’s Word! God truly desires that all men would understand and know Him!]
28 Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the Lord.
[The faithfulness of the few. May we seek to teach men the fear of the Lord wherever the Lord sends us.]
29 Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.
2 Kings 17:32-40
32 So they feared the Lord, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.
[What a curious statement. They feared the Lord, yet sacrificed to false gods. This reminds me of Jesus’ statement, “They honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8.) How is it that men can fear God, but not truly follow Him? There is only one way. They have no true knowledge of the Holy One. They lack true understanding of God and their own sinfulness. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10. Perhaps these people feared God like a bug fears the light. It runs away from the light, fleeing into the darkness in hopes of preserving its own life. These men outwardly feared the Lord God, recognizing His authority, yet chose to flee from God instead of to Him. This is so true today. Too many people in churches profess to know God, yet run to the world’s teachings in psychology and occult methodologies in hopes of staying far from the true Light of the World. One of the sad things here is young believers, ignorant of some of the dangers, have the potential of getting driven down these roads, and, as we all know, the longer someone goes down the wrong road the longer it takes to get back. Secondly, it’s interesting that the people chose to make the lowest of them priests. In 1 Timothy 3:6 God warns us that a leader in church should, “not [be] a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” Choosing immature, weak men to be priests would guarantee less discernment and conviction, as well as easy manipulation.]
33 They feared the Lord, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
34 Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the Lord, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom He named Israel;
[Israel was and continues to be God’s property. By giving them a new name, God signifies His rightful authority over Israel. They are truly God’s chosen nation. Just as Jacob was given a new name, so it is with everyone who’s turned from his sinful self to receive God’s full and free forgiveness found in Christ alone. A new name not only signifies ownership by the one who names us, but also the reality of a new life. Jesus says in John 12:46, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6.]
35 With whom the Lord had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
36 But the Lord, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, Him shall ye fear, and Him shall ye worship, and to Him shall ye do sacrifice.
[Lest we forget, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Psalm 51:17. God led them out of sorcery, witchcraft, idol worship, and the wisdom of men. We are called to fear God because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of true, eternal wisdom, and this wisdom is foolishness to the world. The world has nothing to offer Israel, and the world has nothing good to offer the true church of God!]
37 And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which He wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods.
[We shouldn’t revere or fear the ways of the world. Too often the successes of the world become a snare. We wonder why the world is doing so good. We become enticed as did Lot’s wife. May we never look back.]
38 And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.
[One of the Holy Spirit’s jobs is to help us never forget the truth found in Jesus Christ and revealed in His Word. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26.]
39 But the Lord your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
[God is not only the Lord their God, but the Lord your God. He is personal and intimate. We can each have a deep, everlasting relationship with Him. Not only does the fear of God bring wisdom, it also brings true deliverance from our greatest enemies – sin, self, and Satan.]
40 Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner.
41 So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children’s children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
[If the Lord tarries, the choices of today’s church, both godly and ungodly, will have eternal repercussions for many generations. Let us never forget that our faithfulness unto the Lord to walk after His ways will not only bless us. Like a tree bearing much fruit, heartfelt obedience to the Lord will bring eternal nourishment to many others for years to come, bringing all the glory to the One who brings the increase. “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 1 Corinthians 3:17.]
Many of today’s churches are seeking something new, fresh, and ever changing. By doing so, they are choosing to abandon the old paths of God’s sound and secure Word. They are choosing to fill themselves with empty, dangerous, and foolish doctrines instead of allowing the power of God transform and renew God’s people. May Israel’s history be a very real reminder of just how dangerous it is to play with the world and it’s doctrines taught by the god of this world. Instead of dabbling with this world, why not be sold out for the truth of God? After all, what could be more profitable, and what could be more practical?
“Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
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