Wednesday, 16 July 2025

WHEN MEN CONSULT STRANGE ALTARS

WHEN MEN CONSULT STRANGE ALTARS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 1:1-18

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 8:19-20; Psalm 20:7; Jeremiah 17:5; Galatians 1:6-9

INTRODUCTION:
The book of 2 Kings opens with a revealing narrative of how spiritual compromise can cost a man his destiny. King Ahaziah, having sustained an injury from a fall, did not turn to the God of Israel for help or healing. Instead, he sent messengers to inquire of Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron—a false deity worshipped by the Philistines. This singular act drew divine judgment and exposed the king’s rejection of divine authority.

This story highlights a troubling truth: when men ignore the living God and seek out strange altars, they not only sin, they provoke divine anger. In moments of crisis, many people expose the true object of their faith—not by their words, but by their actions. Ahaziah’s mistake was not just political—it was spiritual rebellion rooted in pride and idolatry.

Yet, even in the face of such defiance, God’s mercy is revealed through His sending of Elijah to intercept the messengers. Though judgment was coming, God still gave a chance to hear His voice. This passage remains a call to spiritual fidelity and a warning against the dangers of seeking answers outside of God.

1. SEEKING HELP OUTSIDE GOD INVITES JUDGMENT
When believers reject divine counsel and turn to strange altars, they trigger divine displeasure.

a) Consulting Strange Gods Is Rebellion Against the Covenant
Ahaziah’s act was not innocent curiosity—it was a direct violation of God’s covenant (2 Kings 1:2). He deliberately chose Baal-Zebub over Jehovah.

b) Crises Reveal Where Our Trust Truly Lies
Where we run in times of trouble shows where our heart truly depends (Psalm 20:7). Trust is tested in adversity.

c) God Reacts Strongly When His Name Is Being Dishonoured
God's question through Elijah—“Is it because there is no God in Israel?”—reveals how seriously He takes our rejection (2 Kings 1:3).

d) God Holds Leaders Accountable for Leading Others Astray
Ahaziah’s act wasn’t personal; as a king, it set a national precedent for idolatry.

Biblical Example: King Asa sought help from physicians instead of the Lord and died in rebellion (2 Chronicles 16:12-13).

2. GOD ALWAYS SENDS A PROPHETIC VOICE IN TIMES OF ERROR
Before judgment falls, God provides a messenger to confront sin and call for repentance.

a) God Does Not Remain Silent When His Name Is Being Dishonoured
Elijah was sent to interrupt the messengers and declare God's verdict (2 Kings 1:3-4).

b) Prophets Are Sent to Call the People Back to God's Will
The prophetic ministry brings people back from deception to divine alignment.

c) True Prophetic Ministry Is Confrontational When Necessary
Elijah didn't dilute the truth. He pronounced judgment as God instructed.

d) The Prophetic Voice Must Not Be Ignored or Silenced
Though rejected, the voice of the Lord must continue to speak until hearts return.

Biblical Example: Nathan confronted David after his sin with Bathsheba, leading to repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-13).

3. PRIDE AND STUBBORNNESS CAN LEAD TO SELF-DESTRUCTION
Ahaziah responded to Elijah’s message with pride and hostility.

a) Instead of Seeking Mercy, Ahaziah Sent Soldiers to Arrest Elijah
This shows the king’s hardness of heart—choosing defiance over humility.

b) Carnal Authority Cannot Arrest Divine Messengers
The fire of God consumed two sets of fifty soldiers and their captains (2 Kings 1:9-12).

c) Repeated Defiance Only Increases Divine Judgment
God gave opportunities for repentance, but Ahaziah refused to yield.

d) The Fear of God Must Override the Fear of Man
The third captain approached with humility, and his life was spared.

Biblical Example: Pharaoh’s pride brought devastating plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 8-12).

4. GOD HONOURS HUMILITY AND REVERENCE FOR HIS PRESENCE
The third captain’s approach demonstrates the power of humility in averting disaster.

a) Humility Before God’s Servants Can Avert Disaster
He knelt and pleaded with Elijah, recognising divine authority (2 Kings 1:13-14).

b) Acknowledging God's Authority Opens the Door for Mercy
God showed favour to the humble captain through Elijah's intercession.

c) God Respects Those Who Fear Him
The angel told Elijah not to be afraid—because this man came in reverence, not pride.

d) Reverence for Divine Order Positions One for Preservation
Honouring God’s servant saved both the captain and his men from death.

Biblical Example: The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s message and were spared from destruction (Jonah 3:5-10).

5. GOD’S WORD WILL STAND—WITH OR WITHOUT HUMAN AGREEMENT
The fulfilment of God’s word is never dependent on man’s acceptance.

a) No Earthly Power Can Override the Verdict of God
Ahaziah died exactly as the word of the Lord declared (2 Kings 1:17).

b) Delay in Judgment Is Not Denial
God may extend mercy, but unrepented sin still attracts consequences.

c) Every Word From God Is Purposeful and Powerful
God's word never returns void; it accomplishes what He intends (Isaiah 55:11).

d) God’s Sovereignty Supersedes All Earthly Succession Plans
Because Ahaziah had no heir, another lineage assumed the throne, fulfilling God's purpose.

Biblical Example: God's judgment on Eli’s house eventually came to pass despite years of delay (1 Samuel 2:27-36; 1 Kings 2:27).

CONCLUSION:
The story of Ahaziah is a grave reminder that where we run for help reveals whom we trust. When men consult strange altars, they substitute divine truth with demonic deception. God will not share His glory with another. Yet, in mercy, He still sends prophetic voices to correct, warn, and guide. Those who heed His word live. Those who ignore it perish.

Let us determine to seek God alone, honour His voice above all others, and reject every strange altar in our lives. Destinies are preserved when God is acknowledged as the only true source of help.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, forgive me for any time I turned elsewhere for help instead of You.
2. Lord, expose and destroy every strange altar speaking against my life and destiny.
3. Raise prophetic voices in my generation to call people back to You without fear.
4. I refuse to walk in pride—give me a heart that trembles at Your word and presence.
5. Let every word You have spoken concerning my life come to pass, regardless of opposition.

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