“SHRINE OF MICAH”
or
“THE SEEKER-FRIENDLY CHURCH”
(Excerpts taken from UNSEALING THE END OF DAYS)
(Note: Part II in a Series on APOSTASY)
SUPER-SIZE THAT ‘MONSTER-BURGER’
Hardee’s has just come out with a MONSTER BURGER that weighs in at nearly 1,600 super-sized calories with 107 grams of fat—well anyway, from 1,400 to 1,600 calories. Hardee’s hails it as a “monument to decadence!”
Some call it a “porn-burger”—it is so explicitly a recipe for a massive heart attack that it should be banned from public view!
I asked my history students the difference between the Greeks and the Romans (I’m slightly filling their little craniums with propaganda.). A most enlightening answer from Eliser came forth: “Mr. K., the Romans SUPER-SIZED everything the Greeks did!”
Think about it—out of the mouths of babes . . . from a confederated Republic to a super state with an Imperial Dictatorship; from the benign Olympics to the massive Roman Coliseum with its blood-thirsty sports; from Carl’s Jr.’s Carbo-Burger (no bun) to Hardee’s Monster Burger, ad nausea. Rome did everything to super-size—sort of like Bill Clinton’s new library!
Now, Greece, after Alexander’s death, split into four and then into twenty separate provinces—very loosely affiliated and inherently weakened by their incessant disputes; whereas Rome held to the center and administrated Pax Romana throughout the civilized world for hundreds of years.
For Rome: BIGGER WAS BETTER!
This illustration of EMPIRE is precisely what is facing today’s Church—once known as a tiny “mustard seed” –yet has she not grown into a huge tree, wherein all the birds of the air make their nests (Matthew 13:31-32)?
In particular, the so-called MEGA-CHURCH (or Meta-Church) movement (a.k.a. “Seeker-Friendly) has swept North America—and is sweeping the world. The decision has been made: BIGGER IS BETTER. And, like Rome, todays Meta-Church has morphed into its original counterpart: The Roman Church. It was she who was seduced by her political counterpart, causing her to adopt Political Rome’s BIGGER IS BETTER motif—and thus was born the Roman Catholic Church.
JEZEBEL AND MICAH—APOSTATES OF YORE
The two illustrations of apostasy that I have chosen to amplify in this three-part series from the Scriptures are purposefully done in a humorous style to highlight the absurdity of believers who persist in apostasy—but, there’s nothing funny about apostasy, nothing! It is the bane of the gospel, the “leaven that leavens the whole lump.”
Apostasy—it was the driving force behind Israel’s Babylonian captivity, let alone their treatment of the land—but it was apostasy that was rife in the land prior to Israel and Judah’s captivity. Apostasy reached its climax in Israel and brought it face to face with the Image of the Tigris. Even in this, the Lord had mercy upon His people, then, and into the time in which we now live. From whence came such apostasy—behold its grand entrance into the one true religion of Elohim?
In Part 1 of our series we examined the proto-type of the Mother of Harlots: Jezebel. It was she who so epitomized the corruption of Israel’s faith. She brought her seductions straight into Elohim’s pasture. The trading empire of the ancient Canaanites—whom the Greeks called Phoenicians and the Latin called Punic Peoples—knew how to blend RELIGION and POLITICS through the glue of TRADE.
So corrupting was her influence—and so predisposed was her husband, King Ahab to her deceptive ways—that Israel’s frightful apostasies eventually resulted in Elijah’s total massacre of all 850 priests of Baal and Ashtaroth (I Kings 18:40). However, though Jezebel’s harlotries are infamous—they were preceded by a much more sinister corruption which was also fueled by Tyre’s commercial zeal.
THE SHRINE OF MICAH vs. THE BADGER’S SKIN
In Judges 17-18 there is a most amazing and true tale exposing what I believe to be the source of Israel’s apostasy, which ran amuck in Ephraim and takes place in close proximity to Shiloh, where Israel’s Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting, prior to the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, was located for so many years.
This badger skin structure was hardly the
dynamic attraction for all to see—especially, for the people of Tyre and Sidon
amongst the Canaanites of the north who trafficked from time to time through
the region. In other words, hardly a fitting scene for the God of the
Universe to inhabit—
notwithstanding
its interior, where the gold of the menorah glistened, the table of shewbread
and the altar of incense held such significant spiritual implications. And, of
course, the Holiest of All (“Holy of Holies”), where the Ark of the Covenant
was located, wherein was Aaron’s rod that budded, the hidden manna and the
Tablets of the Law—again, all profound remembrances for Israel and all holding
such spiritual significance for both Israel and the Church.
But, imagine the full-scale slaughter that one could witness in the outer court of this divine tent? The altar of sacrifice—that bloody operation was almost continuous and especially active on those festival days of the year. Then there was the “accessibility issue” wherein the High Priest alone, once a year, with rope around his ankle (in case he didn’t make it out alive, could still be dragged from the Holiest of All where he was attempting to sprinkle blood upon the altar.) entered the Holy of Holies once a year. Talk about seeker-friendly—it was not!
This entire mysterious scene was not all that inviting—especially for guest visitors from the north and “left-over” Canaanites in the land who somehow survived Israel’s initial rout of their species. You’d have to have a “vivid imagination” to affirm the God of the Universe had taken up residence in that thing!
Enter the Shrine of Micah—that “Seeker-Friendly Church,” where all the religious accoutrements would make the most religiously hardened feel right at home. Nope, nothing offensive allowed—friendly, approachable, “religiously-meaningful” rites could be witnessed by all, along with a super-responsive-to-your-every-need priest (or, if you prefer) Doctor of Divinity, who could dazzle the faithful in the most inoffensive manner known to ancient man. Complete with religious garb (Ephod), this wandering Levite was just meant to be and had been consecrated by Micah himself (founder and builder of the shrine) to administer in the way of Israel’s best; again, shekels were no object for the best, in this user-friendly Ephraim outpost. And, so convenient—right near the Tent of Meeting (You know, that drab little congregation keeps shriveling as the mega-congregation keeps bulging.).
CONSIDER THE SOURCE: MICAH
Consider the source? Well, Micah had stolen some 1,100 shekels from his “God-fearing” mother (a really mixed up character was she). But Micah finally came clean—undoubtedly due to the “curse” placed on the stealer by the mixed up mother. The enthusiastic (and probably witch of a mother) exclaimed:
“May you be blessed by the Lord my son!” (Slight MIXTURE here of the profane with the holy—but, whatever, sounds sincere to an apostate can be utilized on an “as needed basis”). There’s more: “I had wholly dedicated the silver from my hand to the Lord for my son (sure—check out what follows next), to make a carved image and a molded image: now therefore, I will return it to you (of course she holds back the lion’s share of the booty . . . Micah thought he had the whole enchilada and all he got was 2/11th of the take—some “return”) . . . then his mother took 200 shekels of silver and gave them to the silversmith, and he made it into a carved image and a molded image (Where’s Aaron when you need him?); and they were in the house of Micah. The man Micah had a shrine, and made an ephod and household idols; and he consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest” (Judges 17:2-5).
The story gets more convoluted as you progress. The “Seeker-Friendly” Tent (i.e., our makeshift “Seeker-Friendly Church”) really gets a-goin’ when a graduate from a seminary down south comes lookin’ for a pulpit. He was young, no doubt dynamic and hungry for position—but, better to say, “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, and I am on my way to find a place to stay.” The fast-thinking, ever-idea, user-friendly Micah lit up like a flashbulb: “Dwell with me, and be a father and a priest to me, and I will give you ten shekels of silver (translation: “I can always hit Mom up for more.”) per year, a suit of clothes, and your sustenance” (Judges 17:9-10).
Sounds like a plan to me. So . . . a “Consecration Service” was planned and held—all the “user-friendly” congregants, no doubt, attended this splendid affair, and, of course, Micah waxed prophetic, by declaring to all: “Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since I have a Levite as priest!”
Thus was born Second Micah of Ephraim, Israel (or was it First Micah, since the Tent of Meeting could hardly be called “First” - oh well, what’s in a name anyway?). The key thing here is to get the Lord’s blessing upon our plans and/or simply “speak it into being” and so it is—ipso facto, “Isn’t God good!” Accoutrements, shrine, professional priest, consecration services, nothing but money to spare—and all, next to that ugly Tent of Meeting so you can really tell the difference! I mean: “Hello, this is Exciting Micah; can I help you?”
THE DANITES AND THE SOUTHERN PREACHER
It wasn’t long before the Danites in Judges 18 got fed up with God’s promised inheritance on the plains of Philistia and them chariots of iron that didn’t look all that inviting—surely, we got a bum rap here. Thus, the Biblical thing to do would be to send five spies up to the extremity of Israel’s inheritance and scout out an easy hit (Word has it, it’s an easy take.).
As the five Danite “men of valor” took off to the north, they obviously knew that the Tent of Meeting was in Ephraim, and, therefore, it might be a good idea to get a priestly blessing, no matter how bad it looks. But, upon second glance, they chanced to see a far more inviting spectacle: The Shrine of Micah.
“Man, check out that dazzling work of man—that sure looks more inviting, doesn’t it?” said Zorah to Eshtaol?
“Sure does. Say, isn’t that the voice of the young Levite who was checking out a pulpit among us?” said Eshtaol to Zorah.
The Levite, a bit embarrassed, tried to explain:
“Thus and so Micah did for me. He has hired me, and I have become his priest.” (Just read the chapter—all the verses are in there—interspersed with snide remarks by yours truly, you can tell the difference; I just can’t help it.)
“Far out!” hastened Zorah.
“Please inquire of God, that we may know whether the journey on which we go will be prosperous” (In other words: “Let’s see you strut your stuff preacher, it’s time to get a serious blessing here.”).
Here it comes:
“And the priest said to them, ‘Go in peace. The presence of the Lord be with you on your way.’”
Perfect! Well, cutting to the chase here—they checked out this commercial outpost of Sidon (as in Tyre and Sidon) and realized that the preacher was right about Laish! Upon their return, the five related their tale. Didn’t take long before 600 “men of war” realized this was a piece of cake, and could be had on the cheap—unlike the God-given inheritance that was causing them fits down on the plains of Philistia.
So, they girded up their loins and took off, the lot of them; but, instead of inquiring at the Tent of Meeting where a certain “turn-down” could be anticipated, they turned to the Shrine of Micah. Alas! That Seeker-User-Friendly place where all is love and oneness—where affirmation, after affirmation can be had. Here, the Power of Positive Thinking first was conceived and later a book of that same title showed up in America?
THE PREACHER TAKES THE BAIT!
Here’s where the “Powerhouse Five” really took off. They started grab bagging every religious-friendly artifact in sight with the full intent (unsolicited, of course) to cart the entire shootin’ match up to their soon-to-be new city of Dan—like in: Dan, Dan, he dah man, if he can’t do it, no one can!). Now, all this was going down while our Preacher Levite, ThD., was out front with the crowd of 600 Danites (no doubt, attracted to the huge crowd of would be Seeker-Friendly Israelites). It wasn’t long before Preacher Levite exclaimed: “What are you doing?” (Like in: “I’m being ripped off here—what’s up?”)
Now comes the fun part—in the common vernacular, they, the Powerhouse Five, retorted: “Keep your mouth shut, and follow us!” But, it went down something like this:
“And they said to him, ‘Be quiet, put your hand over your mouth, and come with us; be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest to the household of one man, or that you be a priest to a tribe and a family in Israel.’” (No wonder King James Only people like it so much!)
In other words, “You do the math.” Wow! “Have Your Cake and Eat It Too Ministries” was launched right on the spot. Contract sold to the highest bidder! “The priest’s heart (so pure, too) was glad; and he took the ephod, the household idols, and the carved image, and took his place among the people” (No doubt “front and center” on some palanquin where he had a better and loftier view; and, besides, isn’t that where the ark was borne as the tribes crossed the Jordan so many years ago?). (Sense a little mixture here—like blatant idolatry?)
MICAH THE FRANCHISER
Somehow, unbelievably so, Micah was nowhere to be found when all this came down—probably checking out “user-friendly enhancements” for his shrine. Upon discovery of this massive rip-off, he lost it. First thought: Size means nothing! Incensed, along with other user-friendlyites of Second Micah, they stormed after the much larger men of valor band from Dan.
Catching up to the Danites (and, let’s not forget the Pontiff Maximus ensconced in their processional), Micah was confronted with: “You got a problem?” (i.e., “What ails you?”). (Man, don’t you just love the KJV for its understatements?)
Micah, not one to give up “wheeling and dealing” so easily (“I mean, I can persuade anyone to buy into my deal—I could persuade them ‘we can franchise this thing’—don’t have to be so abrupt; I mean, I know you like what I’ve put together—after all, you’re stealing my idea and setup, along with my priest; Second Micah can turn into First Dan, Second Dan, or whatever you wish. It’s reproducible—I’ll even give you the template (of course, I’ve got to keep the original because all over Israel and the Middle East user-friendly seekers will be awed by these original techniques; naturally, for a seminar fee, which will include: the lectures (along with “free” CDs), slides, books, prints, etc.)) . . . Man, am I good, or what?”). “So, what’s up with this: ‘What ails you’ stuff?’”
At this point, the Danites got a little pesky:
“Micah, ‘Do not let your voice be heard among us, lest angry men fall upon you, and you lose your life, with the lives of our household!’” Isn’t the Bible gentle? The Danites sound like a bunch of Mafioso (no offense to any ethic group here), but I just can’t help telling it in contemporary lingo:
“Hey, Micah, what’s it to you? We can arrange for this to be a lot more pleasant than you think! Do you see a problem Zorah? How’s about you, Eshtaol? Nah, no one sees a problem around here but you, Micah? So, how can there be a problem?”
Whoops, now it’s Micah debut:
“You know, come to think of it (and, now that you have so clearly pointed it out to me), you’re right, I really don’t have a problem after all. Grief, you’ll have to forgive the intrusion. Incidentally, I wish you all well and even God’s speed on your prosperous journey and your soon-to-be lovely inheritance that YOUR Seeker-Friendly Levite Priest so eloquently prophesied to you. Furthermore, thank you for allowing me to see the light—I’ll be looking forward to visiting at First Dan in the not too distant; and, again, it’s been a pleasure meeting your acquaintance and doing business with such fine gentlemen!”
THE TOILET BOWL OF ISRAEL—FLUSH WITH APOSTASY
Sure enough, the Danites, along with their built-in Seeker-Friendly Levite Priest, took Laish by storm, and commenced what became the “toilet bowl” of Israel’s Apostasy, to wit:
“Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. So they set up for themselves Micah’s carved image which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.”
Now, is there any wonder why the Tribe of Dan is NOT mentioned in Revelation 7:5-8? The Lord hates apostasy—plain and simple; and, what you have witnessed here in the stories of Obadiah and Micah is precisely the type of apostasy over which the Lord is outraged. Eventually—this “Door of Apostasy” that was opened infected all Israel. Indeed, King Ahab’s marriage to Jezebel was facilitated, no doubt, through this putrid portal.
Today’s “super-sized, seeker-friendly” Shrines pepper the American landscape—and their practices are touted as reproducible throughout the world! Grand tours on the internet give one a stereoscopic view of their palaces and “success.” In glowing terms do they speak of this new “Church Revolution” – and intone that believers who have not encountered these “new marketing tools” will miss out on the “evangelical boom!” May we be able to discern these times of apostasy and see what the “Spirit says to the churches” in this closing hour of history . . . .
So little has changed from these examples of Israel’s apostasy, except one thing: IT’S BEEN SUPER-SIZED! The world is fascinated by their success—yet would the Lord speak these words:
“For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. See what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor mouth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:29-34).