Syncretism Divides our Heart

This picture is some of the saddest verses in Scripture, Judges 2:11-13. Every time I get to Judges I literally get emotional. Now we know sin had been going on in the Scriptures since Genesis 3. But there’s something different here. The words of this picture were followed by declarations in Joshua 24 “THE LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!”

There is a revelation in the passage that must not be overlooked. After Joshua confronted Israel In chapter 24 about choosing whom they would serve, he demanded, “put away the foreign gods which are among you.”😥

Syncretism was a problem then and it is our struggle today. Joshua told them clearly, “choose for yourself this day whom you will serve...?” I believe many of them thought they could hold on to both, their idols and The Living God. Joshua reminded them and we too are reminded, “He is a holy God. He is a jealous God.”

These two declarations of God’s character makes it impossible to share his glory and let our idols remain without consequences.

Because Israel’s heart was divided when they declared their supposed loyalty to God eventually their loyalty to their idols confronted the lesser loyalty and, “they forsook the LORD...”

Is God revealing a divided heart in you? I had to do my own examinations. It hurts, the examine showed me wanton but the result is humility before a gracious and merciful God. And one whose mercies are new every morning. But you must recognize🥺