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Are We Sacrificing Our Children To Idols?

In Ezekiel 16:20-21, the Lord accused the Israelites of having sacrificed their children to idols. This is only one of many references to this abominable practice recorded in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Kings 16:3; 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 57:5; Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 32:35; Ezekiel 20:26) Whenever one of these references is read in a Bible class, there is usually a mother who will exclaim that she just cannot see how any mother could do such a thing to her children. It’s easy to imagine to that these idolaters must have been the worst sort of barbarians to do such a thing!

However, this writer seriously doubts there has ever been a nation of people who sacrifice more of their children to idols than the people of America. And I do not speak solely of non-Christian parents. In the Lord’s church I have observed mothers and fathers who recoil in horror at the mention of the human sacrifices practiced by the Israelites, while at the same time allow their children to run straight to every altar Satan has erected in our land. Some even push them down the road!

Parents who encourage their children to seek popularity through immodest dress and dancing. Parents who by their examples teach their children to drink, lie, curse and break the law. Parents who fail to love and discipline their children. Parents who give their children everything they want instead of what they need. Parents who are too wrapped up in their own lives and livelihoods to teach their children the Bible and take them to worship. They sacrifice them to the gods of inappropriate music, movies and television; materialism and social popularity — and then display indignation at the practice of the Israelites.

In what respect do they differ from the Israelite parents who sacrificed their children to idols? — virtually none whatsoever.

Lord, please forgive us if we are sacrificing our children and grandchildren to worldly idols. Please help us set a godly example before them before it’s everlastingly too late. In Jesus’ name, Amen.