The root of weakness

Because of their bold betrayal of the one true God, the nation was delivered into the hands of the Babylonians to face divine punishment for their sin (2 Kings 25). Nebuchadnezzar’s army advanced, besieged and finally destroyed the city of Jerusalem, turning Solomon's temple to rubble and the mighty walls to dust. The nation had been rotting away for many years and when the enemy came to attack, they were completely powerless to defend themselves.

It got me thinking about the root of weakness.

Sin certainly rots away our spiritual defences. It leaves gaps in our armament making it easy for Satan to attack. One sure way to powerlessness is to let continuous sin fester. But there is an even deeper root to weakness: departure from God.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

Israel's only hope of strength and defence was found in the Lord. But they had turned away from him. God was no longer first in their heart and lives.

Something similar happened in the church at Corinth. Many in the church wanted to follow other men, leaders and scholars, just like the Israelites followed after idols. 

“Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 1:12)

But it was evident to Paul that they had one big problem. 

Christ wasn’t number one. They were glorying in men, and had forgotten the glory of their Lord. The consequence was spiritual weakness.

This was so true of the Israelites. They had completely discarded the Levitical offering system and rather than burning sweet incense up to God they burnt satanic sacrifices up to Idols. This is why they failed. They had turned away from God. They had forgotten the greatness and glory of the One who they were supposed to worship!

Fast-forward 70 years and we find a repentant nation. Their hearts had been stirred up for God and they travelled hundreds of miles back to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple. Notice what the Jews did when they first got there? Do they immediately burden themselves by laying the foundations or by crafting the mighty golden pillars? No, they built the brazen altar (Ezra 3:2-3). For the Israelites to be restored from their sin they knew they first must worship the one who saved them. Only then could they move forward. 

“They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the Lord; then will I bring them up and restore them to this place.” (Jeremiah 27:22).

We can revolve our lives completely around building in service for God. While this is a good thing, let's never forget our core purpose as Christians: to worship the Lord who saved us. Make Christ number one. And keep him there.

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15).