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There is something about an observable crisis that stirs people to action. In a crisis, threats and the consequences of inaction are easily recognized. However, the subtle dangers of carelessness in worship and the attendant consequences revealed in God’s Word are not so readily seen. The Lord promises that the one who puts his trust in Him will never be disappointed, but the companion threat is that the one who trusts in anything else will surely be disappointed. The account of Micah (Judg. 17–18) teaches us to be diligent in evaluating and reforming our worship.
If God’s people are to promote and maintain Biblical worship, the Christian family must play a pivotal role. Micah’s story begins with the revelation that he has stolen a rather large sum of money from his mother. The absence of any mention of Micah’s father probably indicates that his mother is widowed, making his theft all the more heinous. While Micah’s restoration of that which he has taken is commendable, the way in which the recovered money is used reveals the corruption of worship in the family.
Issues in the Church
No doubt Micah’s mother is grateful for the return of her wealth. Indeed, the text is clear that her gratitude is directed toward God. However, her plan to dedicate a portion of the money for the creation of idols (Judg. 17:3) is in direct violation of the second commandment.
Idolatrous worship must never be excused on the basis of zeal or sincerity. The apostle Paul makes this clear in Galatians 1:6–10, where he says that those who preach a gospel other than the one he preaches are to be damned. There is no doubt that the Judaizers were sincere and zealous (Rom. 10:2). Yet because they did not preach the truth, their zeal and sincerity were of no benefit. On the other hand, Paul tells the Philippian believers that even though some preached the Gospel for the purpose of adding to Paul’s affliction, he rejoiced in the fact that. the Gospel was being proclaimed in truth (Phil. 1:12–18). Thus, acceptable worship must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
While corruption in worship often begins in the family, it is exacerbated when men who should know better promote it rather than correct it. Micah initially establishes his own son as his personal and family priest (Judg. 17:5). But in the course of time, Micah finds a Levite to assume the position. We are not told why Micah relieves his son of the responsibility. It may be that he believes his worship will have more legitimacy if it is under the direction of a Levite. Levites were set apart by God to preserve and promote God’s Word particularly through the Levitical priesthood (Mal. 2:1–7). The rest of the Levites also exercised teaching responsibilities (2 Chron. 17:7–9, 35:3; Neh. 8:7–8) and were severely rebuked for their unfaithfulness in leading God’s people into idolatry (Ezek. 44:10–13). The Levite from Judah, instead of correcting the idolatry of Micah’s family, promotes it by consenting to assume the priestly position. It is evident from the context that this Levite is not a true shepherd of Israel but merely a hireling.
One of the deceptions of false worship is the sense of security it brings. After the Levite is installed, Micah expresses his confidence that the way is clear for the Lord to bless him. Many who are careless in their worship exhibit a similar superstition. Leaders in church have a responsibility to be faithful to the Lord. Congregations also have the responsibility to insist that their leaders remain faithful to the Lord. Some think that the key to the Lord’s blessing in worship is tied exclusively to finding the right leader. Micah will soon find out that his confidence is ill-founded.
In the end, all false worship will disappoint. Even as the Lord warns those who pray and give to enjoy the praise of men, so those who worship for their own ends rather than God’s glory will find their security and comfort short-lived. When the men from Dan take Micah’s idols, he finds that this “priest” who would not be faithful to God will not be faithful to him, either. The Levite identifies the winning side when he sees it. He stands with the army while they relieve Micah of his worship equipment (Judg. 18:17). He also recognizes a better offer when he hears one. Though he initially objects to the theft of the idols, ultimately he rejoices to get a better position (Judg. 18:19–20).
Believers easily corrupt worship when they attempt to conform it to unbelieving culture. True worship always challenges the culture. Many with the admirable desire to see the lost brought to faith have forgotten that worship must first be pleasing to God if it is to be a blessing to men. When men order their worship to please men, they end up worshiping and serving the creature rather man the Creator. It is not our duty to make worship meaningful to lost men by catering to their expectations. It is our duty to teach men the meaning of the worship God requires in His Word. One of the chief things that true worship teaches is that men exist for God and not the other way around. Human invention cannot contribute to the conversion of men or the worship of God. It retards or destroys the former and corrupts the latter. May our Lord adorn His church with holiness in life and worship once again, that Zion might become a praise in all the earth.