Judges 18 - Self-Deception

In the last chapter we were introduced to Micah who was sure that creating idols with stolen funds would gain for him God's favor. Wealth combined with spiritual ignorance can lead our lives into ruin without our recognizing it. 

Now in Chapter 18, some bullies from the tribe of Dan are seeking out land for themselves. They didn't want to battle the inhabitants of the land apportioned to them so they come over to Ephriam to see if there is territory easily conquered. There they encounter the Levite hired by Micah and ask him to inquire of God regarding the success of their venture. Clearly the Levite didn't have discretion enough to know that what he himself was doing was an affront to God, so now he will ask God if they will be successful in conquering land that was not appointed to them. The Levite assures these men that their journey has the Lord's approval. 

So it is with our world. Sinful people seek God's endorsement of their lifestyle rather than allowing God to direct their life choices. Throughout our lives we battle the tendency we have to take control of our affairs and ask for God's blessing after we have already made our choices when God asks us to become living sacrifices at His disposal. God apportions for us an allotment and we demonstrate our dissatisfaction with what we have been given by longings for more and using debt to get what we want now rather than waiting for God's good time. The men of Dan longed for God to approve of their use of might to take what was not theirs to have. 

Later, the men return to the house of Micah and woo away his Levite with the promise of greater influence by serving them (this Levite already had demonstrated that he would tell them what they want to hear). They also steal the idols and the ephod from Micah so they can set up for themselves a type of religiousity. Micah was left without his possessions and returned home knowing he didn't have the might to overtake these bullies. 

This chapter underscores how society disintegrates when there is no leader who will stand for God and lead people in righteousness. Much of the disintegration we can see in our culture today can be directly tied to a disregard for God. On a personal level we can say the same for our lives when left unto else's to God will end in strife and chaos. In God's care there is peace even when the world around is in chaos. We can choose our leaders; will we go our own way or will we choose God's?

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him!