Meanwhile there was a young man from Bethlehem in Judah and from a family of Judah. He was a Levite but was a stranger there. He left that town, Bethlehem in Judah, seeking his fortune. He got as far as the hill country of Ephraim and showed up at Micah's house. Micah asked him, "So where are you from?" He said, "I'm a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah. I'm on the road, looking for a place to settle down." Micah said, "Stay here with me. Be my father and priest. I'll pay you ten pieces of silver a year, whatever clothes you need, and your meals." The Levite agreed and moved in with Micah. The young man fit right in and became one of the family. Micah appointed the young Levite as his priest. This all took place in Micah's home. Micah said, "Now I know that God will make things go well for me— why, I've got a Levite for a priest!" (Judges 17:7-13 MSG)
Levites are supposed to be people who are Godly, wielding God's power doing God's commands. These people are to be closest to God, furthest away from sin! But Levites at that time were just like the rest; practicing idolatry, worshipping other Gods, sinning just like the rest...
And Micah came across one Levite who came and was passing by. Micah then convinced him to stay in the house as a priest! So he did.
And to my surprise, Micah said: now I know that God will make things go well for me, because I have a priest. That is a wrong belief. That is just being religious. Having a priest while sinning is not pleasing God. Or worse having a priest who says nothing about idolatry is definitely not pleasing God. We can raise our hands in church, sing the loudest praises, pray the most audacious prayers...
But if our relationship in God is not improving, there is no difference. Out relationship with God is of utmost importance. If we do not work on that, God would not be pleased with us.
Micah is practicing a false religion, his religion. One that worships idols, have a priest, lies/sins and do all of these in the name of God.
We need to examine ourselves... Are we practicing false religion?
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