When it comes to church life, we are all guilty at times of taking good things and making them more important than they should be. We start to do something because it benefits a particular circumstance, but after time, that action becomes a policy and any reduction in that activity is seen as a step backward for the church. Those who embrace that action or program see any reduction as disrespect for their ministry and a reason for dissention. So the program continues to be supported and funded even when the fruit of that activity has long since diminished.
In Numbers 21 there is the story of Moses and the Israelites. The people started whining for the umpteenth time since their liberation from Egypt and God judged them by sending venomous snakes to bite them. God also supplied the means for deliverance from his judgement by directing Moses to make a bronze snake and put it where everybody could see it. Anyone who got snakebit and looked at the bronze snake lived. If they didn't look at it, they were on their own. That odd story points to, among other things, that an infinite God has an infinite number of ways to accomplish his purposes.
What happened later, though, is significant. After the snake crisis passed, the people kept the snake and carried it around with them for years and years. Originally it was a reminder to serve God without grumbling and that God will deliver his people in times of distress. Over time, it stopped being a reminder and it became an object of worship. They named it Nehushtan and they burned incense to it.
When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he recognized that the Nehushtan had ceased to benefit. Rather, it became something that hindered believers from worshiping God directly. Hezekiah didn't try to steer people away from it; he broke it into pieces. Even though it had been commanded by God and constructed by Moses, it had served its purpose in its time. Now it was a hindrance to true worship, and it had to go. As a result of taking this bold and risky action, God blessed Hezekiah. He was successful in whatever he undertook. (2Kings 18:4-8)
What is our Nehushtan? What traditions, programs, or objects do we make so important that they become a hindrance to becoming all that God wants us to be? If we "can't" enter into worship without a particular style of music, an instrument, or architectural element, or if we get angry and defensive when our favorite program or area of ministry is changed or eliminated, we are probably dealing with a Nehushtan. I know I have Nehushtans in my life. I must break them, because God has so much more in store for me than what I already know about. What about you? What good things do you need to break into pieces so God can be larger in your life? I want to be successful in whatever I undertake, and I think you do too. We need to do away with the "good" to make room for the "great" that God has ready for us.
2 comments:
Good post; very thought provoking with excellent scripture reference.
This parallels government in some ways. Some agencies were perhaps good for a season, but have outlived their usefulness. After a time the bloat makes the whole ship inefficient and far less effective. But start trying to consolidate or eliminate, and watch the claws come out.
Putting principle before programs can be painful. Having something you are passionate about closely scrutinized can tie your stomach in knots. Humility in such times is sorely needed.
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