Worship Is Never Neutral | Judges 2:11-13

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Our text today is Judges 2:11-13:

And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the Lord to anger. They abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtaroth. — Judges 2:11-13

The shift happens fast. From not knowing God… to abandoning him… to bowing before idols.

This isn’t just spiritual confusion. It’s full-on rebellion. And here’s the most dangerous part: the people didn’t stop worshiping—they just redirected it. They served the Baals and Ashtaroth—the fertility gods of the surrounding cultures. These gods promised abundance, sexuality, strength, and protection. In other words, they offered the same things our culture still worships today—success, pleasure, control, and comfort.

But abandoning God always begins with forgetting what He’s done. “The God who brought them out of Egypt” became a distant memory. And when gratitude fades, idolatry grows.

The human heart is never neutral. It will always worship something. The only question is—who or what? This is more than just history; this is what we see happening in our day and time. Our idols may not have names like Baal, but they have just as much power over us if we let them. The desire to fit in, the hunger for status, the comfort of distraction—these become the altars we kneel at if we stop remembering God’s faithfulness.

And what angers God most? Not just that they sinned, but that they traded him for a fraud. They bowed to what was around them instead of remembering the One who saved them.

So ask yourself today: what’s been stealing your worship? What “good thing” has become a godlike thing? The answer will show you what’s competing for your heart.

ASK THIS:

1. What false gods am I most tempted to chase in this season?
2. How does cultural influence subtly shape my priorities?
3. Have I forgotten how God has rescued and provided for me?
4. What would it look like to return my full loyalty to Him?

DO THIS:

Name one “idol” that’s grown too important—and intentionally deny it today to reset your devotion.

PRAY THIS:

God, I confess that I’ve chased other things instead of You. Remind me of who you are—and help me return my worship where it belongs. Amen

PLAY THIS:

"Clear the Stage."