One of the greatest snares for the Israelites in the Old Testament was worshiping idols. God knew this would be a temptation, and so, the first commandment He gave to them was to worship no other God but Him (Exodus 20:3). He showed them how to worship Him by offering daily sacrifices unto Him that would be pleasing to Him and allow His presence to dwell among them. It was the sacrificial system that was a means by which God made it possible for the Israelites to show their worship unto Him. This is why it was so detestable in the eyes of the Lord when they began to sacrifice to false gods in the high places throughout Israel. 

When we read the stories of the Israelites, we might be tempted to think, “I would never bow down and worship an idol made of wood.” Yet, if we’re not careful, we can set up idols in our hearts, idols that we have given prominent place to in our lives because of the importance we place upon them. Anything we set up as more important than God, becomes an idol. We were made to worship, and if we do not worship God, we will worship something. Idol worship is a snare for us still today. 

When Jonah was in the belly of the fish, he prayed out to God and declared, “those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” (Jonah 2:8). This is a serious thought. To look to anything other than God to help us or save us, forfeits the grace He would so generously give to us. Sacrifice is still a means of showing our worship today. We lay ourselves as living sacrifices on the altar of worship to our God (Romans 12:1). As we sacrifice our wills, our plans, and our idols on the altar of worship, He comes and bestows His grace to us in our time of need. He generously gives us His guidance, His protection, and His love when we make Him rightful Lord of all areas of our lives.