Judges 15:13 – 1Samuel 2:29
Overview
Today’s reading brings us from Judges into 1Samuel. We see that Samson (one of the 14 Judges) is tricked by Delilah and he reveals that his uncut hair is where his strength comes from. Delilah cuts his hair and then Samson is captured by the Philistines and imprisoned. He exacts revenge on the Philistines by pulling down the pillars of which he was chained, killing thousands as well as himself. Later, Micah is the next Judge. We see the tribe of Dan win over land and receive their inheritance. Also, we learn about a Levite priest’s wife who is raped and murdered by the Gibeonites. The Levite calls the nation of Israel to war against the Gibeonites and God helps the Israelites conquer them. The book of 1Samuel begins by introducing Eli’ the chief priest, who has two sons that are defiling the temple and worshipers. We also learn of a barren woman. God blesses her and tells her she will have a baby boy. She conceives and dedicates her son Samuel to God for the service of the Lord. Once he is weaned, Samuel is given to the temple where he lives and is raised by Eli. He grows up and God speaks to him and tells Samuel of His plans. The reading concludes as a man of God approaches Eli and informs him what God has in store for Eli and his sons because of their wicked behavior.
Scripture – Judges 17:10-12
10 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.” 11 So the Levite agreed to live with him, and the young man became like one of his sons to him. 12 Then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house. 13 And Micah said, “Now I know that the LORD will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”
Observation
Micah and his mother had fallen away from the one true God and had many idols & gods. One of them was money. While his mother had saved up a large amount of money, the son coveted the money and stole it. Later, for fear of a curse from his mother, he returned it to her and they agreed to create a idol image made from some of the silver. During this time in Judges, people did what pleased them. They had no relationship with God. Instead, they worshiped many different idols. Later we read that Micah hired a Levite to be his personal priest so that he might have God on his side. He was treating God like a rabbits foot that would bring him good fortune and possibly make him look good in front of his friends.
Application
Many of us do the same thing. We have many “idols” that we worship. For some it is money. Ultimately, our attention is give to whatever pleases us. Often what happens is we treat God like a rabbits foot. When we need some help or want some good luck we “pull God out of our pockets” and say a quick prayer. “Oh God, please help me get out of this mess”. This is the wrong approach to God. The God who created all things and holds life in His hands must be revered and worshiped. God wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. He wants us to be dependent on Him. We should not put God away into a dark place and pull him out when we need him. He is with us during the good and the bad times. Lean on God and draw close to him.
Prayer
Father forgive me for using you like a rabbits foot. You are Holy and mighty and deserve our praise and adoration. You are the God of creation and the one who desires a relationship with us. Help me to keep you in my thoughts and actions as I push away my own selfish desires. Thank you that you want to have fellowship with me even though I do not deserve your love.
