"Feeding the Lions"

2 Kings 17:25 ESV

And at the beginning of their dwelling there, they did not fear the Lord. Therefore the Lord sent lions among them, which killed some of them.

The people of God allowed syncretism to creep into their lives, leading them to compromise beliefs, values, and norms.

Syncretism is the merging of religions, cultures, and schools of thought.

America has proclaimed the value of the “melting pot.” (ie. Mexican Pizza)

When we allow for compromise in our Biblical worldview, we drift from the truth of God leading to judgment of God.

2 Kings 17:26 ESV

So the king of Assyria was told, “The nations that you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the law of the god of the land. Therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they are killing them, because they do not know the law of the god of the land.”

Judgment is real…We see lions used for judgment multiple times in this period of history. Scripture has much to say about judgment.

What was the solution?

2 Kings 17:27 ESV

Then the king of Assyria commanded, “Send there one of the priests whom you carried away from there, and let him go and dwell there and teach them the law of the god of the land.”

2 Kings 17:28 ESV

So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the Lord.

2 Kings 17:29 ESV

But every nation still made gods of its own and put them in the shrines of the high places that the Samaritans had made, every nation in the cities in which they lived.

Quit feeding the lions!!

There is no room for compromise in the kingdom of God!

Quit compromising your attention

Colossians 3:2 ESV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Quit compromising your priorities

Matthew 6:33 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Quit compromising your morality

Proverbs 3:7–8 ESV

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Quit compromising your worship

Luke 4:8 ESV

And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ”

We have options before us.

We can lament over the condition of the world around us.

We can throw our hands up and join in, blending with the secular culture

We can do nothing

We can take ground for the gospel, striving daily to know, love, and obey the King.

Personal Audit

Who/What demands your attention?

Who/What guides your list?

Who/What determines what’s right?

Who/What receives your devotion?

What is God leading you to do?