Micah, The Religion Maker

Intro

Micah. This morning I would like to introduce you to a very special character: Micah.

Resident in the region of Ephraim, the meaning of the name Micah is: "Who is like God", which expresses the nation of God's incomparability.

Even though Micah declared by his name that no one can be like God, or compared to God, his actions will be in stark contrast to this truth.

In fact, he will try to create a new religion. In this sad chapter we read about the stubbornness of the protagonists in creating their own God, their own tailor-made religion: The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple (Isaiah 41:7 - NIV).

Judges' structure. Although we are at the end of the book of Judges, the episodes narrated in chapters 17-21 occurred immediately after the death of Joshua.

It is as if the author of Judges, to highlight the causes of Israel's apostasy, inserted the most significant events at the end of the book and not at the beginning.

Micah's house. Although there were only two generations that separated Micah from the faithful leader Joshua, unfortunately in Micah's house 7 out of 10 commandments were transgressed, without Micah ever leaving home.

Why is Micah's house in this situation? Judges 2:10 tells us why: After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.We cannot afford to lose even a generation!

Sermon's outline. Let's refocus on Micah by analyzing the false religion he is implementing. Of this false religion I wish to consider:

An ambiguous religion;

A flashy religion;

A convenient religion;

A deceitful religion;

A precarious religion.

An Ambiguous Religion

Micah's mother. One of the founders of the new religion promoted by Micah, he is her mother.

After discovering that "someone" had stolen 1100 shekels, this woman curses the thief (Judges 17:2).

Upon learning that the thief was her son Micah, his mother blesses him.

In the same verse, this woman curses and blesses: My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water (James 3:12 - NIV).

In this religion there are no stable rules, certain values, clear positions, but everything is evaluated according to the benefit received.

Clear faith. These are days where everything has become questionable. Yet, Jesus invites us to be clear in the exercise of our faith: All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one (Matthew 5:37 - NIV). 

We cannot live in ambiguity and expect to be credible in our profession of faith.

A Flashy Religion

Flashy. Micah's religion needs ceremonies, idols, gestures, sounds, lights, perfumes.

We are talking about a religion that aims at the senses and tends to reassure its followers through external ceremonies.

The fiction of this flashy religion is found in Hosea 7:14: They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves, appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me.

Personal faith. Religion, when it is fake, needs to be flashy, while sincere faith in God is lived first and foremost internally.

The woman who touched Jesus to be healed experienced her faith in Jesus in an intimate and personal way: Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” (Matthew 9:20-21 - NIV).

If we need lights and sounds to worship God, it means we are living a flashy religion.

A Convenient Religion

Money. Both Micah and his mother had invested money to transform their home into a resort for religious worshipers.

In fact, when the Danites take down Micah's idol in the next chapter, here's what Micah responds to him (Judges 18:24).

In that new religion, Micah had invested everything he had so he could get rich.

Micah's spirit. Unfortunately, in these times there are many who enter the ministry with the same spirit as Micah: profit. 

These people try to receive, while true faith pushes us to give ourselves, to offer ourselves...

This is how Paul defines those who seek God only for temporary benefit: If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19 - NIV).

A Deceitful Religion

False beliefs. Micah was convinced that God would bless him.

Yet, Micah had gotten everything wrong that he could get wrong:

Micah had placed an idol in his house;

He had created a new religion;

He had placed a Levite as his personal priest.

Despite all these sins, Micah was convinced that he was living in God's approval.

The audacity with which Micah speaks of God is noteworthy: But to the wicked person, God says:“What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? (Psalm 50:16 - NIV).

Convicts of sin. False religions have a tendency to reassure us about our sins.

Like Micah, many believe they live under God's favor, but in reality they are under his judgment.

Pure religion, the true one, does not deceive, but rather convinces us of sin, through the work of the Holy Spirit: When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8 - NIV).

A Precarious Religion

A temporary religion. Everything seemed to be working for Micah. His religion was having some success, allowing Micah to live his life in peace and security.

One day, however, 600 Danites showed up at the door of Micah's house (Judges 18:16). It all ended.

Micah's religion ended as it began: with a theft.

Micah's house remained empty. This is the end of those who profess a false religion: everything will end.

Eternal faith. In God we have found lasting, eternal security.

Micah had his idol and priest taken from him; no one will be able to separate us from the living God or steal from us our High Priest: Christ Jesus.

We can be safe: but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:33 - NIV).

Conclusion

A homemade religion. Micah's story tells us about a man who wanted to build his own religion, but who in the end found himself with nothing in his hands. 

We thank God who revealed Himself to us through His Son Jesus.