WITTY LEAGUES...SECRET ALTARS

 

Witty Leagues … Secret Altars

Judges 2:2

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? ...KJV

The people of Israel were in league with the inhabitants of this land (later to be named Bochim meaning land of weeping). They had covenanted with unbelievers and God had warned them not to since there are negative consequences.

Inappropriate associations can result in either you being influenced, or you are influencing others.  In a time when Israel had no clear-cut leader (many years after the death of Joshua there was a leadership vacuum save occasionally a man of God comes in to make pronouncement. If you recall after the death of Joshua and the leaders within that period had died the new generation had no clue of what God had done for them from Egypt through to the wilderness and the promised land. Consider this - will our children and descendants know, understand, and appreciate the accomplishments and experiences of previous generations? What legacies are we leaving behind for them?

The Israelites unintentionally made a covenant with the inhabitants, much like we may form associations with unbelievers.  A covenant doesn't always involve a blood pact or oath. There are different types of covenants:

Ancient Oriental Covenant:

Sharing meals, exchanging goods and gestures are forms of covenants

African Covenant:

Sharing meals, especially during festivals, symbolizes unity and shared destiny. Pouring libations invokes deities, and using sacred objects like a linguist's staff calls upon ancestors and shows loyalty to the stool or god.  

These are the covenants or agreements that we may enter into unconsciously. Over time, continuous association with these groups can lead to the adoption of their beliefs and ways of living. Reason God told the people of Israel to break down their altars. In our modern culture such altars need to be broken down by dissociating yourself from any such. Be mindful of whom you sit and share meals with – you are entering into a bond with that person. In typical situations, we often demonstrate our closeness to someone by mentioning activities such as eating together or exchanging clothes and shoes. With whom are you sharing these experiences? You are discreetly forming an agreement with them. Although they may be good individuals, you cannot be certain of their associations or connections, even those they may unknowingly have, with other entities.

Let me break down the TRAPPINGS around such Leagues/Covenant/Altars to you:

1.      A SNARE (DECEPTION/ENTRAPMENT)

Exodus 23:33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

Such snares are (covenants, leagues, associations) created like a situation or a scheme having a common objective – to quietly ensnare you to become a servant to their culture – this sub-culture can be pop culture, social media culture etc. The land in Exodus 23:33 here could be a third space on the internet or a meeting point to share ideas and concepts, a situation or scheme trapping you to the big abyss.

2.      ALLURING & ENSLAVED

2 Peter 2:18 – 19 - For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Modern day empowerment, self will, inward power, energy etc. Are all vanity with the aim of enslaving you and overtime become depressed and lonely if you fall into their league. Promises are made on liberty, freedom, will etc that are alluring and appealing, but the bigger abyss awaits you.

3.      DECEIT

Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Some words from friends can be convincing, logical, obvious and makes lots of sense but as crafty as the devil is it will lead you to disobedience employing the wrath of God. This plan began in Genesis 3:1-6 when the devil deceived Eve with enticing words to enslave humankind. However, Jesus Christ came to redeem us from this deceit and modern-day wastefulness.