"In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah, daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it." 2 Kings 18:1-4 (NIV)
In 2 Kings 18, Hezekiah is crowned as the newest king of Judah. At just 25 years old, he displays wisdom and a fear of the Lord that previous kings ignored. While those before him did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, Hezekiah was determined to do what was right. Not only did he trust God, but he was willing to go to great lengths to destroy anything that would prevent the people from obeying God.
Interestingly enough, many today believe that foreign gods and idols don't exist. People aren't likely to bow down to golden calf idols and statues. Sadly, they are willing to bow down to what's popular or will bring them power, fame, riches, or prestige. 2025 still has idols, they just look different.
Twenty-first-century idols look like busyness over God's abundant and gracious rest. They look like choosing TV and entertainment, numbing coping skills, over delighting in the Law of the Lord. Twenty-first-century idols ultimately take our focus off our Creator and place the focus on something that we think will satisfy us instead.
In Hezekiah's culture, idolatry was common. Israel would forget over and over again that it was the Lord who rescued them out of Egypt and took them into the Promised Land. So, they would turn to the gods of astrology, kings of other nations, and people in positions of power. But when Hezekiah became king, one of his first actions was to destroy these false gods. I can't help but think: What things in our lives are preventing us from obeying God?
From 701 BC, when Hezekiah reigned, to 2025, we have to ask ourselves this pivotal question: No matter what culture is doing, are we willing to smash the idols? Are we willing to rid our lives of the things that stand in the way of our relationship with our Creator? Are we committed to tearing down the barriers and making room for the Lord instead?
Like Hezekiah, we're going to face setbacks and mockery. The King of Assyria didn't just mock and ridicule Hezekiah for his obedience to the Lord; He mocked God Himself. But just as Hezekiah refused to submit to Sennacherib's yoke, we, too, have a choice: Will we submit to the customs of this world, or will we tear the idols down?
Romans 12:2 says it this way: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (NIV).
Do you have idols in your life that you need to tear down? If you do, don't be ashamed. You are not alone. Ask God to help identify these things in your life, talk to Him about them, and then smash the idols. You might need some friends or family members to help you, but do whatever it takes to rid your life of these things.
As Hezekiah did, waste no time. Do what's right in the eyes of the Lord, seek Him continually day and night, and let Him lead, guide, and direct your steps. Then, when the enemy strikes—and he will—you'll be able to stand firm. Not on your own, but with the power of God, and your people surrounding you on every side (2 Kings 18:36).
Let's pray:
Dear Jesus, choosing to smash our idols in a world that doesn't understand you takes courage and confidence. If we have things in our lives that are getting in the way of our relationship with you, would you please show us how to smash them? Rid them from our lives and help us to commit ourselves to you wholeheartedly. As we take this action, this step of faith, sprinkle your love and faithfulness over our lives. Help us to feel your presence, and show us how to cleanse our hearts so that they may be in alignment with your will. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus! Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Jachan Devol
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 15 July 2025.
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