But the high places were not removed. Nevertheless Asa’s heart was loyal to the Lord all his days. 1 Kings 15:14 NKJV
Asa was a king of Judah, and the Bible says he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father David. He removed almost every vestige of pagan worship and practices except the high places. What are the high places?
The high places weren’t high as in up on a hill. They were where the people went for their pagan worship services. They would worship their gods, make sacrifices, and do some abominable things such as child sacrifice.
Most of the kings of Judah and Israel did evil in the sight of God, but even most of those who did what was right left the high places. Only a few of them removed the high places.
Since the high places were where pagan worship was done, it makes sense the Bible would mention whenever a king who did right left them or destroyed them. The first two commandments say you shall have no other gods before me, and you shall make no idols.
It was not an insignificant oversight to leave the high places. God wanted every vestige of false gods and false religions removed. He wanted what was best for His people and leaving pagan places of worship would not do that.
It’s the same with us when we follow God. Maybe there’s that one area of our life we haven’t given up. We cling to it, but we know God wants us to let go of it.
We should examine our lives and ask God to show us where we have high places, where we’ve put certain things above Him. Let Him have His way with us.
Prayer
Father, I ask you to search me and show me the high places I’ve left in my life. Show me those things I need to let go of or rearrange their priority in my life. I want nothing in my life placed above you. You and you alone are my high place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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