2 Kings 17:41

Even while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols.

About a week ago, as I was reading through 2 Kings, sort of flying through, minding my own business, this passage just jumped out.  They thought they could worship the LORD and serve their idols.  What were they thinking?  Of course it's much easier to say "they" b/c certainly we don't have these issues anymore?  What with our highly evolved Evangelical culture I'm sure we have moved on.  We wouldn't think about mixing true worship with idol worship...or would we...more importantly, would I?  Truth be told it happens all the time.  All that a few thousand years have brought is perhaps different idols.  Modernized idols.  This passage was like the 2 x 4 upside the head...that's gonna leave a mark.  Not so much here or here, but right through here.  So I guess the question I've got to wrestle through is what are my idols?  It's certainly easier to read about the screw-up Israelites and think I'd never do that...how blind am I?  Which leads to tonight's reading in John 9:39...

Jesus said, 'For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind'

Yet another 2 x 4.  Ouch.  More marks.  I don't want to fit the description of 2 Kings.  I don't want to worship the Lord and idols...it's not really possible anyway.  Jesus knew this.  He calls people out.  Tells them he brings hope to the spiritually blind and makes them see.  But those who think they see and have it all together he makes blind.  So much for the tame, non-judgmental, self-esteem Jesus who is here to make you feel good. 

I'm not really going to attempt to wrap this up.  That's what you get with stream of consciousness.  I'm going to bed and to read some Visioneering (see books to your left).  Very good.  Highly recommend it thus far. 

Peace.