IN THE CHURCH
Today's reading:  2 Kings 16-20

Ever read 2 Kings 16?

In short, it gives a sad account of one King Ahaz, his poor choices and the demise it brings to God's people.

Within the verses of one short chapter I've found where he allowed history to repeat its self in the form of idol worship.

He has committed child sacrifice, using his own children.  He gave them up.  He no longer valued their importance.  He took lightly his role as a parent.

He has coveted the gods, idols and altars of other kings.  He saw what 'was working' in other places and wanted what they were experiencing.

He has duplicated and imitated practices of pagan people within the walls of God's holy place.  He made allowances.  He crossed lines.  He intended it for the good.

He has desecrated what God has commanded to remain holy.  I believe it happened slowly.  I think he changed one small thing at a time...a slow infestation.

It happened in the church.  Inside the walls of the sanctuary.  Little changes.  Small allowances.  Snippets of idolatry and whispers of pagan ways.

Was 2 Kings 16 placed in our Holy Bible with the intention of warning us?  Reminding us of what can happen?  Telling us what to watch out for?