OCTOBER 12, 2 Kings 3:26-27 

The king of Moab was driven to desperation in the battle with the Israelites and Edomites. He mustered his remnant troop of 700 to charge at the king of Edom. When that failed, he turned to the gods he worshipped, and offered them a gift like no other. He took his eldest son who was his successor and offered him as a sacrifice to his gods in a bid for victory! See how depraved an idolater could be under the control of sin.

The Moabite king sacrificed his own son on the city wall in full view of all. After that, hatred of the kings of Israel among the people grew. Many of the idolatrous nations practised the offering of their children to the gods. In their evil minds, their gods would delight in blood and murder, and the destruction of mankind. To gain greater favour from their gods, they would kill or make burnt offerings of their children or things that were dearer to them. Why? Because they think that if they sacrifice something or someone dear to them, the idols will be touched.

The Lord God our Creator is a good God. He is the giver of human life and protects His children from harm. “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (Luke 9:56a). Jesus, the Son of God became the Son of man to die for our sins that we might live. So great is the love of our God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Idolatry is the most hateful sin in God’s sight but there are many other sins. These include the sin of:

1. Human sacrifice
2. _______________________
3. _______________________
(You may choose from the list given in 2 Timothy 3:1-4)

Thought: May I have no other gods before the Lord.

Prayer: I thank and praise You, our Heavenly Father, for bringing me out of darkness into the marvelous light. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.