Idols come in all shapes and sizes. Some look exactly how we imagine them to. A figurine surrounded by incense and offerings.
But many idols aren’t found in temples. An idol can be anything that takes our worship away from God.
2 Chronicles records a tumultuous history — seasons of idolatry followed by revival. Seeing how God worship made them different, Israel would direct their worship to God for a season. But then new kings came into power and introduced new ways to worship.
As time passed and fashions changed, God’s people drifted into idolatry. Rather than being set apart to show what life with God looked like, they lived like everyone else.
Like Israel, we are God's chosen representatives on earth. But too often we forget that, stumbling after idols as others do.
Some worship relationships, sacrificing all we have and all we are to make others happy. Some worship success, investing all our time and talent to build a following or fortune.
As you read 2 Chronicles, remember: Each king’s worship shaped the nation's history, and where we put our worship will shape our personal history.