Choose Wisely

Zephaniah 1:4-5 “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. . . . And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham.”

The more you study Scripture, the more you realize the sin of idolatry is a very serious thing in the eyes of the Lord. It is amazing how much Scripture is devoted to condemning the sin of idolatry! Yes, back in Bible days, idolatry was more visible-people worshipped idols made of wood and stone. Even though this type of idolatry can still be found, most idolatry today is hidden idolatry of the heart. America today is just as guilty of idolatry as the pagans of Bible days. And Christians are not immune to idolatry either. How easily it can creep into our hearts and lives!

In Zephaniah 1, God addresses a long list of people that will be judged for their idolatry. Verses 4-5 pronounce judgment on Judah, Jerusalem, Baal worshippers, and those who worship the stars. Then there is an interesting group of people mentioned at the end of verse 5. God says His judgment will come to “them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham.” Why did these people that worshipped the Lord deserve judgment for idolatry? The little word “and” makes all the difference! Yes, they worshipped the LORD, but they also worshipped the false god Malcham.

This thought is found throughout the Bible. Joshua said to the people of Israel, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15) Elijah asked, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” (I Kings 18:21) God does not want a “both-and” mentality but an “either-or” mentality.

Worshipping God plus something else is just as much idolatry as worshipping a graven image. In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters at the same time. And yet, many Americans want to give God a little place in their schedules-enough to be respectable-but they want to serve themselves, money, or the world at the same time. As a Christian, you are not immune to this thinking either! Choose wisely whom you will serve.

Because these people in Zephaniah 1 did not choose wisely, they did not live wisely. Verse 6 says, “And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.” Take a look at your actions. Do they reflect that you have given God your whole heart? Do you seek Him daily and ask for His presence? If your allegiance is split, you will not seek Him as you ought.

The people did not choose wisely, and they did not live wisely. They also did not anticipate wisely. Verse 12 says, “And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.” The old phrase “settled on their lees” simply means to be relaxed and laid back. These people did not anticipate the judgment of God for their idolatry. Our God is not wishy-washy; He acts on principle and truth. He hates idolatry of any form and will punish those who put other things before Him.

How about you? Does God have the throne of your heart? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”-Matthew 6:33