Asherah Poles and Altars to Baal

If asked to list what is most important to us, most of us would answer varyingly with such elements as our faith, or God, or Jesus, or something within that realm. Likely, some of us would say that our children or our families are extremely important. We might well answer that our health or our ability to work is important.

Although these are all important, sometimes we may discover that our priorities are misaligned. Sometimes, we need a reminder of what should be most important in our lives.

The Israelite people had that problem. They had forgotten what is supposed to be most important in their lives. They have forgotten Yahweh, their God.

At some point, they stopped seeking God and began to succumb to the society around them. Eventually, they found themselves subject to the Midianites, as you might have guessed, they didn’t like that. And in the midst of their trials and oppression by the Midianites, they remembered Yahweh. They call out for his help.

Yahweh sends a prophet with this message:
"Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I led you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage. And I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.' But you have not obeyed my voice."

God heard their call and God helps them. He asks Gideon, an Israelite man, to tear down the altar to Baal and cut down the Asher-ah Pole, which Gideon obediently does. But when Gideon tore them down, the people were upset. So much so, that they wanted to kill him. You see, they didn’t want to give up their false gods.

Although the Isrealites called out for God’s protection, they didn’t want to live the lifestyle God required. They didn’t want to give up the things important to them. They didn’t want to change their priorities. They didn’t want to face the fact that they had placed other gods over and above Yahweh.

Gideon tore down the Asherah pole and altar of Baal and He built an altar to God. He reminded the Isrealites of the right priority in life. Only then was God pleased. Only then did he make Gideon a general capable of delivering his people from the oppression of the Midianites.

Something we must learn to realize is that our God is a jealous God. I know that some people don’t want believe that. But Exodus 20: 3-6 plainly states: "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. He desires to hold first place in our hearts and minds. It matters to God the He be most important to us.

We will say very many things are important to us when asked. But, here is what I think. We are dishonest about it. We are not honest even with ourselves about it.
If we honestly examine our lives, if we look at how we spend our time and money, we might very well be surprised. I fear that if we were to study our daily habits, we might find reason enough to be embarrassed of ourselves. We might find that we are like the Israelites who chase after Gideon for tearing down the altar to Baal and the Asherah pole – eager for God’s love, affection, and protection without the willingness to live to his standards of placing him first and foremost in our lives.
Who are you worshiping – the Living God or your way of life? Do you have an idol in your life that must be pulled down?

Let us not be that way. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to enable us to place God first in our lives. Search your heart. Find out where your worship is and adjust your priorities.

Whatever idol you have allowed in your life, you must tear it down. If you desire to place Christ as the first priority in your life; tell Him so, tell Him today. Tell Him just now.