Transcript
Judges 17:6 "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.”
The story of Micah in Judges 17 illustrates the spiritual state of the people of Israel when God was no longer enthroned as King in their lives. The phrase "there was no king in Israel" does not only speak of the absence of a political leader but also indicates that people no longer acknowledged God as King. As a result, everyone determined for themselves what was considered right.
Micah actually appeared to be a spiritual person. He had a house of worship, made an ephod and teraphim, and even appointed a priest for himself. The problem was that all of this was done in his own way, not according to God's decrees. He still used God's name but built a system of worship based on his own desires.
1. WORSHIP THAT LOOKS RIGHT IS NOT NECESSARILY RIGHT The greatest danger in spiritual life is not only when someone abandons God, but when someone still worships God yet begins to choose parts of the Word that align with their own desires.
We are happy to hear the Word about blessings, victory, restoration, and success, but what about when God's Word rebukes sin, asks us to forgive, repent, deny ourselves, or abandon wrong habits?
2. GOD MUST BE THE CENTER God's Word is not like a buffet meal that we can choose from as we please. If we only accept the "sweet" words but reject the corrective words, our spiritual life will not be healthy.
The world says, “Follow your heart,” “What matters is that you're happy,” but Jesus taught something different. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said, "Not My will, but Yours be done." Christianity is not about asking God to follow our plans, but surrendering our lives so that we follow God's plans.
3. BE DOERS OF THE WORD James 2:17 says that faith without deeds is dead. Our lives are known by their fruits. Love is seen when we face people who are difficult to love. Patience is seen when we are under pressure. Joy is seen when circumstances are unpleasant.
Often, it is precisely through difficult seasons that God is cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
According to James 1:23-24, God's Word is like a mirror. Do not use the Word as a magnifying glass to find fault with others. Use the Word as a mirror and ask:
"Lord, what do You need to change in my life?"
Ultimately, the question is: WHO IS YOUR GOD?
Who sits on the throne of our lives: God or our own ego?
True worship is not just raising hands, singing, or dancing, but true worshipers worship in spirit and truth.
Don't just say, “Lord, bless my plans.” But begin to learn to say: "Lord, show me Your plans. Change my heart to align with Your will."
Because God is not just looking for worship that appears right. God is looking for a heart and a life that are right before Him.
The Lord Jesus Blesses.
