Date: Sunday 22nd July, 2018.

Topic: False Security

Bible Reading: Judges 17: 7–10 (The Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.)

1. A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah,

2. left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.

3. Micah asked him, “Where are you from?” “I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said, “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”

4. Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food.”

Word for Today: Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food. – v. 10.

Inspiring Commentary:

Many years ago, I watched a Nollywood movie titled “Wasted Years” which moved me to tears. In it a vile and wicked millionaire businessman believed he could use money to buy his way through life. His enslaving weapon was money. This man virtually bought everyone he encountered in his life, including a young Pastor who was also ‘settled' with nearly five million naira at the time, to do the rich man's bidding. The rest of the story was a sad end for both the Pastor and the businessman.

Today's passage highlights the need to chose between God and modern idols. A spiritual void was created in Israel due to backsliding and Micah's mum sought to fill this in her own way. Micah became an easy tool in promoting idol worship in Israel. Even more shocking is Micah's success in luring a priest from the tribe of Judah who easily agreed to corrupt his calling instead of remaining faithful to the Lord and the people he was called to serve.

Those who disregard God's standards in favour of subjective human wishes will find out that God does not operate in this way. True believers seem daily and gladly to submit to God's standards and values in His written and revealed word, where our true security lies.

Prayer: Lord, help me not just to be religious but to have my service and spiritual base in You, the only true God, instead of on material or physical security.