Shatter the Snake!

 He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made, for the Israelites burned incense to it up to that time.

 2 Kings 18:4 (HCSB) 

As a pastor or leader ask yourself this question.  Is there a snake that has slithered into my church?  I know a lot of jokes come to mind as you read that question.  Now don't jump to any quick conclusions about what it may be.

In 2 Kings we find an interesting scenario.  We could read right past it and not blink if we are not paying attention.  Hezekiah begins to make some serious spiritual reforms for Judah.  He gets rid of the idolatry.  He destroys the High place and the False religions that have crept in and set up shop with God's people.  But there is one interesting thing he destroyed.  The bronze snake built by Moses and used by God to bring healing to a bitten people. (Numbers 21.4-9)

The bronze snake began with a godly purpose.  Instituted by God and used by his leader Moses.  But after a while it's purpose was no longer needed and it took on a new purpose, an ungodly purpose.  It became an idol, a stumbling block to the spiritual life of God's people.  We have some snakes in the church today.  They are traditions and programs, that in its day were useful and led many to grow and thrive spiritually.  Now they have become an idol that is dragging us down.  Most Churches have one of these serpents, that we see no fruit from and merely distract us from other methods that could be useful in fulfilling our mission.  They are difficult to get rid of but it just might be necessary for you to be a Hezekiah and tear it down.