Through the Bible: 2 KingsSample

Only One

So they feared the Lord but also served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away.

To this day they do according to the former manner. They do not fear the LORD, and they do not follow the statutes or the rules or the law or the commandment that the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel.

2 Kings 17:33-34 (ESV)

As part of Assyria’s resettlement plan to prevent revolt, Israel was repopulated with foreign captives. These new settlers (later known as Samaritans) in Israel worshipped God without giving up their pagan customs. They treat God as another idol to add to their collection. In Ezra 4:1, it mentioned that these people were adversaries of Israel.

There are a lot of similarities today where people claim to believe in God while refusing to give up the attitudes and actions that God denounces. We are reminded of the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). True worship involves devotion to God alone. He must come first and His Word must shape all our actions and attitudes. 

There are many ways to worship God, but only one God to worship.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son and through Him, showing us what Your love is like. Help us to focus on our walk in Your ways, worship and love You with all our hearts, mind, and soul. We know it is not easy as it will take total commitment on our part. In Jesus' name, Amen.