Judges 17 -18, Psalm 21, Acts 1

Judges 17 and 18 describe how the Israelites gradually slid into idolatry. From the beginning, God repeatedly warned about the order of worshiping Him. It was to happen only in one place, chosen by the Lord (at that time, the tabernacle was in Shiloh - Judges 18:31). Moreover, God strictly forbade making idols or any images to worship them (Exodus 20).

Micah from the tribe of Ephraim violates these commandments. Notice he continues to worship God but on his terms. Wanting to have a controlled connection with the deity, he makes an idol, a cast image, household gods, and an ephod. He consecrates one of his sons as a priest (Judges 17:5). Then a Levite comes to them, and Micah, understanding that this will be "stronger" from a spiritual point of view, hires him to serve in his sanctuary.

Instead of worshiping God in humility and obedience before Him, trusting Him, and seeking His mercy, people turn the service to God into superstition by mixing it with paganism. Only the name of Jehovah remained there, but everything else was pagan. This is a formal and absolutely useless religion.

Unfortunately, this practice did not remain only in Micah's house. Over time, it spread to the entire tribe of Dan (Judges 18).

Psalm 21 David proclaims his reliance on the Lord in the song. Such songs direct the mind to God and His deeds, helping to be established in truth. David confesses that dependence on the Lord became the foundation of his strength (Psalm 21:8). The second half of the psalm speaks of his confidence that the wicked will certainly be punished.

The Book of Acts is the second book written by the Evangelist Luke. Being well-educated and spending much time with the apostles Peter and Paul, Luke conducted thorough research into both the life of Jesus Christ and the ministry of His apostles (Acts 1:1).

As evidence of the truth of His resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples for 40 days in various circumstances (Acts 1:3).

Jesus continues to preach the Kingdom of God, but even after His resurrection, the disciples understand it as the imminent restoration of the kingdom of Israel (Acts 1:3-7).

Jesus corrects them, showing that God's plans are greater than we can imagine. Our task is to be His witnesses, obedient to the Holy Spirit with which He empowers us (Acts 1:7-8).

The Ascension of Christ plays an important role. Jesus ascends in the presence of the disciples to the Father as a human. This was His goal - to bring man into the presence of God. By ascending to heaven, He paved the way for us, all who he saves.