Images: Priests For Hire
A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah, left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.
Micah asked him, “Where are you from?”
“I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said, “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”
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.”
Judges 17:7-10 (NIV)
The Book of Judges has a common theme: 'Everyone did what was right in his own eyes' (Judges 17:6, 21:25).
Although the children of God knew better, right and wrong became relative to them (a.k.a. moral relativity)… to each person’s thoughts, neighbors, and desires.*
In those days, a young priest from Bethlehem left his home, searching for a better life: not better in God, but better in perks. Micah, a rich man, offered him a job– to minister to him and his household. Micah knew God, BUT… accepted idols.
He even included them in worship. Later, a gang of Jewish thugs passed by. Although they were looters, the priest blessed them.
'Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord's approval' (Judges 18:6).
They offered the young priest a bigger job. He took it, along with Micah's idols (which the looters stole).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Are we in a sadly similar time? A time of self-seeking, idol worship– and preachers seeking bigger, better jobs?
They know God, but they also serve idols. Like Micah's young priest, they sell out for luxe lives in luxe churches.
I'm not pointing fingers or naming names. Only God can judge and I can’t see hearts, but I CAN see fruit.
Some churches are blessed with humble leaders: leaders who live simple lives, like Jesus.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Don’t place your trust in a pastor “for hire,” who says he loves God, but loves money more. God’s priests aren’t ordained by men or degrees. Jesus brought entirely new requirements– making every true worshipper a priest!
'You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light' (1 Peter 2:9).
Images: Priests For Hire (Part 11)
* Read the entire story of the young priest who sold his services to an idol-worshipping family, then again for a bigger congregation: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+17-18&version=NIV
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.