One Way to Lose Everything

Scripture: When they had gone some distance from Micah’s house, the men who lived near Micah were called together and overtook the Danites. As they shouted after them, the Danites turned and said to Micah, "What’s the matter with you that you called out your men to fight?" He replied, "You took the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, 'What’s the matter with you?'" Judges 18:22-24

Observation: Following the story ... Micah stole silver from his mom, then when he returned it she had some made into an idol, which Micah used to set up a shrine to many gods, and then hired a priest to work in the shrine, but then the Danites came on their way to attack some people and they stole the idol and all the other gods of the shrine and hired the priest. When Micah confronts them, his complaint is ... you took the gods I made, what else do I have?

All of Micah's faith comes down to a few figurines in a room of his house, and a money-grubbing priest to justify the misplaced belief. When those things are taken away, Micah has nothing.

Application: As we see Israel turn away from the Lord, we see a story like this ... an average man who simply has no belief in God to the point that he worships however and whatever he pleases, to the point of expending significant funds to build idols and then hire a priest to give his practices validity. This tale of Micah is strange and sad. It shows a lost man who enlists deceptive help to justify his broken ways, and eventually gives his entire identity over to that lie.

The parallels to modern society - where people can choose whatever and whoever they wish to worship, and seek validation for their belief systems through social media - are obvious. However, so is the very sad outcome, which is that all these things can be stolen away leaving one with nothing.

My God cannot be stolen away from me. He cannot be taken, he cannot be lost. He does not require money, but he does require love. My God comforts me, leads me, and assists me, rather than leaving me in fear that all I have may be taken away.

Prayer: Lord, you are with me today and every day. May I walk humbly with you this very day. I do not seek fame, riches, or honor, I only seek your face and your will. Help me to avoid sin, and please forgive me for the sins I have committed. You are so great and so wonderful, and your love is all that matters. Amen.