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April 29, 2011 ·

The Ripples of Rottenness

Godliness· Parenting· Relationships

So after Micah’s Mama’s Drama of yesterday, how far did the ripple effects of her confusion and lack of commitment go?

The ripples of her rottenness reached her family and her nation. Micah wanted God’s blessing, but he went about it his own way, not God’s way. Though he was meant to be following God and representing Him to the surrounding people, Micah was caught up in doing “whatever seemed right” in his own eyes. It’s not hard to see why, when we realize his mother set a standard of reacting impulsively, rewarding sin, and rejecting God. Confusion is one legacy easy to pass on. 

Chapter 17 of Judges tells how the tribe of Dan came pillaging to Micah’s house. They not only took the idol and images Micah and his mother had made, they also took the pseudo-priest with them, so they could come up with worship their way. Did I mention that the pseudo-priest was a descendant of Moses? Even the line of Moses was corrupted by the implanting of the evil.  

Poor Micah. He and his mom set themselves up for disaster, but “When Micah saw that there were too many of them for him to attack, he turned around and went home” (v.26b). He was very aware that he had “nothing left.”

That’s not the end of the story for Micah’s Mama’s influence. Her son and family were empty handed, but their idols were carried on to a town known as Laish, a town the men of the tribe of Dan destroyed and then rebuilt for themselves. Rejecting their God, the tribe with Micah’s blemished treasures set up the idol and created a place of worship that was “right in their own eyes.”  

The idolatry, born when a mixed up mother had an image made to honor her son, became the centerpiece of a whole tribe’s tainted worship for centuries. The apostasy grew, until King Jeroboam chose the perverted site, then called “Dan,” to be the site for placement of none other than … a golden calf.

Did Micah’s Mama ever imagine that her confusion would spawn such corruption that it would be passed on to a whole tribe … to infect a nation … to invite the wrath of God? I wonder how the story would’ve been different if Mama would’ve helped Micah learn the error of his ways, decided to exalt God instead of her wayward boy, and used the money for good instead of evil.

A mama has such potential for influence … good or bad.  God help us to know His Word and walk with Him, so we won’t fall into the confusion and lack of commitment that leads to being a Rotten Mama. 

  • When sin is in your household, are you more likely to hold your child accountable or soften the consequences? 
  • How would your children know that you honor the Lord first in your life?
  • Do you feel confused about who God is?
  • How committed are you to being a godly mama?

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Related

Previous Post: « The Ripples of Rottenness
Next Post: Marriage Mondays ~ Summer Strategy »

April 29, 2011 ·

The Ripples of Rottenness

Godliness· Parenting· Relationships

So after Micah’s Mama’s Drama of yesterday, how far did the ripple effects of her confusion and lack of commitment go?

The ripples of her rottenness reached her family and her nation. Micah wanted God’s blessing, but he went about it his own way, not God’s way. Though he was meant to be following God and representing Him to the surrounding people, Micah was caught up in doing “whatever seemed right” in his own eyes. It’s not hard to see why, when we realize his mother set a standard of reacting impulsively, rewarding sin, and rejecting God. Confusion is one legacy easy to pass on. 

Chapter 17 of Judges tells how the tribe of Dan came pillaging to Micah’s house. They not only took the idol and images Micah and his mother had made, they also took the pseudo-priest with them, so they could come up with worship their way. Did I mention that the pseudo-priest was a descendant of Moses? Even the line of Moses was corrupted by the implanting of the evil.  

Poor Micah. He and his mom set themselves up for disaster, but “When Micah saw that there were too many of them for him to attack, he turned around and went home” (v.26b). He was very aware that he had “nothing left.”

That’s not the end of the story for Micah’s Mama’s influence. Her son and family were empty handed, but their idols were carried on to a town known as Laish, a town the men of the tribe of Dan destroyed and then rebuilt for themselves. Rejecting their God, the tribe with Micah’s blemished treasures set up the idol and created a place of worship that was “right in their own eyes.”  

The idolatry, born when a mixed up mother had an image made to honor her son, became the centerpiece of a whole tribe’s tainted worship for centuries. The apostasy grew, until King Jeroboam chose the perverted site, then called “Dan,” to be the site for placement of none other than … a golden calf.

Did Micah’s Mama ever imagine that her confusion would spawn such corruption that it would be passed on to a whole tribe … to infect a nation … to invite the wrath of God? I wonder how the story would’ve been different if Mama would’ve helped Micah learn the error of his ways, decided to exalt God instead of her wayward boy, and used the money for good instead of evil.

A mama has such potential for influence … good or bad.  God help us to know His Word and walk with Him, so we won’t fall into the confusion and lack of commitment that leads to being a Rotten Mama. 

  • When sin is in your household, are you more likely to hold your child accountable or soften the consequences? 
  • How would your children know that you honor the Lord first in your life?
  • Do you feel confused about who God is?
  • How committed are you to being a godly mama?

Share with a friend?

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Related

Previous Post: « Micah’s Mama Drama
Next Post: The Ripples of Rottenness »

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Thanks so much for stopping in. I'm glad you're here. I believe we're meant to know peace in our lives, so I write about how to find it in our relationships and how to share it with others. I like to keep things sourced in God's truth and useful for life. May your moments here leave you with a little more peace for your days.

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"Julie’s writings and teachings have been spiritual markers in my life. The deep knowledge of the Word she possesses, and they way in which she delivers it through her writing are deeply impactful. I would say that my favorite piece about Julie’s work is the way she speaks truth in love. She never waters down scripture to fit someone’s desires. And she does this with so much grace and compassion."

Susan - Homeschool Mom, Foster Mom & Business Consultant, Mt. Juliet, TN

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-08T18:00:00-04:00

Susan - Homeschool Mom, Foster Mom & Business Consultant, Mt. Juliet, TN

"Julie’s writings and teachings have been spiritual markers in my life. The deep knowledge of the Word she possesses, and they way in which she delivers it through her writing are deeply impactful. I would say that my favorite piece about Julie’s work is the way she speaks truth in love. She never waters down scripture to fit someone’s desires. And she does this with so much grace and compassion."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/susan/
"Through the years and seasons of life, Julie willingly follows God's open doors and trusts Him at times when some windows have closed. I have gratefully watched, learned and gathered courage for my own following. Whether speaking, writing, or just being present, Julie's grace, wit, interests and love draw others closer in to listen and follow her in step with His grace and mercy."

Carla - Volunteer Coordinator, Harvest Church, Oswego, Illinois

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-08T18:04:20-04:00

Carla - Volunteer Coordinator, Harvest Church, Oswego, Illinois

"Through the years and seasons of life, Julie willingly follows God's open doors and trusts Him at times when some windows have closed. I have gratefully watched, learned and gathered courage for my own following. Whether speaking, writing, or just being present, Julie's grace, wit, interests and love draw others closer in to listen and follow her in step with His grace and mercy."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/carla/
"Julie Sanders is uniquely gifted to speak the never-changing truth of God into the ever-changing lives of women. With authenticity and the confidence that grows from a journey of finding God faithful in every season, Julie calls women to find peace and comfort in Him alone."

Kristi - Women's Ministry Director, The Chapel in North Canton, Canton, OH

Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker
5
2019-09-13T21:32:41-04:00

Kristi - Women's Ministry Director, The Chapel in North Canton, Canton, OH

"Julie Sanders is uniquely gifted to speak the never-changing truth of God into the ever-changing lives of women. With authenticity and the confidence that grows from a journey of finding God faithful in every season, Julie calls women to find peace and comfort in Him alone."
https://juliesanders.org/testimonials/9175/
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Julie Sanders, Author and Speaker

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