Last week, we looked at the very emotional scene of Jesus being nailed to the cross. We all understand the reason for that event – it was to pay the penalty for our sins. But, that sacrifice also requires something from us. It requires us to be living as a sacrifice to God (2 Corinthians 5:15).
But, so many people do not want to “stop living for themselves.” So many people have deceived themselves into believing that what pleases them is what pleases God. They want, in effect, a religion without self-sacrifice, a religion with no tears.
The idea of “attending the church of your choice” is not new. It is very old selfishness, very old paganism, very old idolatry. About 3,000 years ago, a man in the Old Testament tried to do that very thing – to establish a religion based on what man liked, what man wanted. I want us to look at that event and see what he did and how God responded.
Under King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, Jeroboam returned from Egypt and became the chief spokesman for the “cut taxes” party of the nation of Israel. It was in that position that he was elected their king. Now, read what Jeroboam did as king of these twelve tribes in the confederacy of Israel (12:25-33).
Observe the changes that Jeroboam made…
1. He changed the object of worship from God to golden calves – vs 28. I want you to observe his words: “Israel, these are the gods that brought you out of Egypt.” Make this note – Jeroboam was not intending to establish a “new religion.” He was simply trying to aid his followers in worshiping the God of heaven in a way that affected their senses, their emotions. He wanted them to stay home so he was trying to provide an addition to worship that would accomplish that end.
2. He changed the place of worship from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan – vs 29.
3. He changed the priesthood from Levi to all the people – vs 31.
4. He changed the time of worship from the seventh to the eighth month – vs 33. This was the feast of tabernacles which was to be celebrated in the seventh month (Lev. 23:34ff).
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Why did Jeroboam violate the law of God and create a religion after his own likeness? Well, observe the text in verse 26-27. Jeroboam was afraid of losing popularity. Everybody likes to be liked; we like to be comfortable. Few people like being told that the path they are going to take is going to require pain, sacrifice, and self-denial. Many more people would love to be doctors and lawyers for the salary and perks that come with it but they back out when they realize how demanding the training is.
Religion is fundamental to man. The people who actually practice no religion are considerably in the minority, worldwide, compared to the people who practice some religion. You have to deny a fundamental urge within the human heart to worship in order to be a non-practicioner of a religion. So, Jeroboam believed it would be better for his people to at least worship somewhere as to worship nowhere.
Now, it is clear that God does not accept this “religion with no tears / religion with no sacrifice” mentality. Look at 12:30: “What a terrible sin this was.” Religion is not about what pleases me; it’s about pleasing God. God let Jeroboam know, both through miraculous signs, and through the word of the very same prophet, Ahijah, that God does not like this go-along-to-get-along religion. Read 13:1-5; 14:6-14.
It was a sin because the source of authority for Jeroboam’s actions are found in verses 26 and 33 – “in his own heart.” There was no “thus says the Lord” behind his actions. He could not point to a book, chapter, and verse for his actions. He was denying the holiness of God by ignoring the authority of God. You have to change God’s plan if you want to have your way. The phrase “word of God” is found only once in chapter 12 (vs 22) but in chapter 13, where God punishes disobedience, the expression is found ten times!
Religion without tears is a religion without sacrifice and that religion will never save anyone.
–Paul Holland
