Fearing the Lord and Idols (2 Kin. 17:41)

It is clear from a larger context that...

• This duplicity wasn't the Lord's design.  The people were to love and fear only Him.
• Separation unto the Lord wasn't easy to maintain.  The record shows the people struggled with idolatry since their inception.
• National implementation preceded individual participation.  Laws were altered, the forbidden was called acceptable and many jumped on board.
• Leaders played a huge role.  How might history have changed had Jeroboam not erected shrines at Dan and Bethel?  Leaders lead, followers follow.  That's true about righteousness and idolatry. 
• One generation continued the idolatry of the previous generation.  The current generation redefined "normal" and "acceptable".  Before long, people didn't think twice.  Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's okay.
• The idols weren't secret.  Everyone knew what they were, where they were and how to serve them.  The biggest issue wasn't ignorance but arrogance.  People served them anyway.
• The best time to demolish an idol is right now.  The longer you let it live, the stronger it gets.  It is the nature of an idol to deceive and dominate.

Don't miss the point in 2 Kings 17.  It tells you why Israel went into captivity -- refusal to turn from idolatry.  What is your idol?  What will you do about it?  What keeps you from taking that action right now?