MISCOMMUNICATION LEADS TO TIMEOUT ERROR
The New York Liberty faced the Atlanta Dream in a WNBA matchup earlier this month. With 4.3 seconds left in overtime, the Liberty passed a ball inbound from behind their basket. The move confused announcers and wasted precious time. The Liberty could have started at midcourt with their inbound pass if they’d used what’s called a “reset timeout.” The team had one remaining—but they didn’t know! Player Breanna Stewart had asked the referees about the timeout and was told the Liberty did not have one left. The referees may have talked among themselves and determined the team had one, but the information failed to reach Stewart. The confusion may have cost the Liberty the game, 101–98.

MISCOMMUNICATION LEADS TO IDOLATROUS WORSHIP
Stolen silver, muttered curses, and blessing in the Lord’s name begin today’s text. Although Micah’s mother “consecrates” the returned silver, in the same breath she communicates an intention to make it into an idol. Her son uses that idol to set up a family shrine. Eventually, he convinces a man from the tribe of Levi, those in Israel set apart to be priests of the Lord, to serve in his shrine. Although Micah and his mother act in the name of God, they obviously do not follow the specifics of God’s law. Their lack of clear understanding and instruction ultimately lead to the creation of a new center for idolatrous worship in northern Canaan.

Questions

• In what ways has miscommunication caused problems or created chaos in your life?
• How and where do you receive clear instruction about the Christian life?
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the development of knowledge and holiness in a believer’s life?