The Insidious "High Places": Spiritual Barriers in Our Lives
The recurring biblical theme of "high places," elevated sites of ancient worship that often became centers of idolatry. While these physical locations may seem distant, their spiritual significance remains relevant. They represent the strongholds in our lives that draw us away from true worship.
1. The Danger of Idolatry in High Places (Numbers 22:41)
• Balak took Balaam to a "high place" to curse Israel, revealing these sites as centers of occult practices.
• These places were not merely elevated geographically, but spiritually, representing a point of access to false power.
• Today, we must recognize that many seek power and direction in the wrong places, turning to "high places" of modern idolatry.
2. The Influence of Wicked Kings in the Building of Pagan Altars (1 Kings 11:7)
• Even Solomon, despite his wisdom, succumbed to idolatry, building altars to pagan gods on these elevated sites.
• These "high places" brought spiritual ruin to Israel, demonstrating the destructive power of idolatry.
• When we stray from God, we risk building our own "high places," creating altars to our desires.
3. The Danger of Corrupt Worship (1 Kings 12:31)
• Jeroboam introduced a corrupt system of worship in the high places, appointing priests from the lowest classes.
• He led the people away from the true worship of God, corrupting their spiritual lives.
• We must be vigilant against false doctrines and unbiblical practices that seek to lead us astray.
4. High Places as a Symbol of Rebellion Against God (2 Kings 17:9)
• Israel built high places throughout the land, openly rebelling against God's commands.
• Small concessions to sin can lead to widespread spiritual corruption, building "high places" in our hearts.
• We must guard against seemingly minor acts of disobedience that distance us from God.
5. The Reign of Hezekiah and the Demolition of the High Places (2 Kings 18:4)
• Hezekiah took a radical stance against idolatry, destroying the high places and removing all symbols of false worship.
• To be faithful to God, we must demolish the "high places" in our lives, removing anything that competes for His attention.
• Are there spiritual "high places" in our lives that need to be torn down?
6. Idolatry Restored By Manasseh (2 Kings 21:3)
• Manasseh, Hezekiah's son, rebuilt the high places, demonstrating the cyclical nature of idolatry.
• When we fail to teach the next generation to fear God, sin can return and flourish.
• Our faithfulness must be unwavering, ensuring that future generations remain rooted in God's truth.
7. Josiah's Religious Reform (2 Kings 23:5)
• King Josiah promoted spiritual reform, removing the high priests and destroying the high places.
• God desires pure and true worship, free from pagan influences.
• We must eliminate anything that corrupts our communion with God, cleansing our spiritual lives.
8. The Danger of Creating New Forms of Idolatry (2 Chronicles 11:15)
• Jeroboam not only maintained the high places but instituted priests to false gods, creating new forms of idolatry.
• Departure from God leads to the creation of new "high places" in our lives, new idols that compete for our devotion.
• We must worship God according to His Word, not according to our own desires.
9. Jehoshaphat's Faithfulness in Removing the High Places (2 Chronicles 17:6)
• Jehoshaphat demonstrated zeal for God by removing the high places, cleansing the land of idolatry.
• Our spiritual lives must be cleansed of anything that takes the place of God, tearing down the "altars" in our hearts.
10. True Worship of God Does Not Depend on Special Places (John 4:23)
• Jesus taught that true worship is not tied to physical locations but to a sincere heart.
• God desires to be worshipped in spirit and truth, free from empty rituals and pagan practices.
• We must abandon all forms of idolatry and live to glorify God in every aspect of our lives.
Why Don’t We Use Religious Symbols?
One question often asked is: Why don’t we use religious symbols in our worship? The answer is simple—we have no command, example, or necessary inference from the New Testament church to do so.
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I. No Command, Example, or Inference in the New Testament
Throughout the New Testament, we see no record of the early church using religious symbols in their worship. While the Law of Moses commanded elaborate furnishings for the tabernacle, there is no such instruction for the church under the new covenant.
"You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them..." (Exodus 20:4-5)
God commanded Israel to avoid idolatry, making it clear that worship should not be centered around physical representations but on Him alone.
II. The Danger of Idolatry and Human-Made Symbols
When religious symbols are used, they can become objects of reverence themselves, distracting from true worship. Even something originally ordained by God can become an idol if misused.
"He removed the high places and broke the sacred pillars, cut down the wooden image and broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it, and called it Nehushtan." (2 Kings 18:4)
The bronze serpent, originally given by God for healing, became an idol to the people. In the same way, religious symbols can lead people away from the true focus of worship—God Himself.
III. God Desires a Spiritual Relationship, Not Physical Representations
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
"I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:33-34)
God’s desire is for His Word to be written on our hearts, not displayed in symbols or objects. Worship is about a spiritual connection with God, not physical representations.
IV. Christ as Lord in our hearts, not through external symbols.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15)
Our faith is not displayed through objects but through our obedience, love, and devotion to Christ.
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Conclusion
Let us examine our hearts and demolish the "high places" that seek to draw us away from God. Let us cultivate a life of pure and true worship, dedicated to glorifying Him alone. Amen.
