SCRIPTURE: Micah 7:1-20
OBSERVATION:
This is a time of serious depravity in Israel’s history, you can’t even trust your own family (vv.2-6).
Micah speaks on behalf of the godly who have been swept away (v.2): even during this terrible time, God will set things straight (v.7).
Micah (and the godly) know that they are suffering for their sin (and the sin of the land), and so this time of misery is a part of His judgment (v.9).
But it will not end in despair, the godly will rise again and the wicked will be shamed.
The humbled nation of Israel (God’s people) will be restored, the city will be rebuilt, and the nations will be humbled (v.16-17).
Finishes with an assurance of God’s goodness and mercy, that even though He allows us to be punished for a time, He will once again have compassion, as He promised.
Ultimately God will “tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea”, a graphic way of describing how God in Jesus removes the guilt of sin once and for all.
APPLICATION:
This prophecy reminds me to see my life in persective, especially when it seems as if everything is falling apart.
God is on the throne, He will keep His promise to establish His people (the godly), even though we may suffer for a time because of our sin, one day He will totally remove sin, set things right, and fulfill His promise to Abraham.
Another reminder that when I go through tough times, I need to REMIND myself of God’s goodness, promise and power, not question them.
I should memorize the words of v.7, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me!”
I have heard about slaves who used words like these to endure the horrible suffering that they endured – I have no excuse when I think of my own petty challenges.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for Your patience with me, despite my half-heartedness, my weak faith. Help me to memorize and believe these words (v.7) so that I an remind myself again and again in times of challenge or misery. Amen.
This passage reminds me of Haiti, where each person lives for himself and there is no trust among the people. There are many organizations doing good in the land, but under adverse conditions – the latest – imspecting the food/medicine expiration dates at orphanages and then confiscating and fining for each infraction. I must focus my eyes on the Lord, and rely upon the Maker of Heaven and Earth, realizing at the same time how great my sins are. I may not dispair of these present times, but hope in the mercies of the Lord and see the favours that He bestows upon His people then and also today.
I praise God for the power of prayer and for the prayers of His people. I stand amazed because His mercies are renewed each morning and He does break the power of sin. I am redeemed. I may go forward on His covenant promises each day and I hold fast to the hope I have in Jesus Christ. I pray that this land may also be redeemed and see the power of the Lord so that He has dominion over the land and not in Satan’s hand. Lord, make Your wonders and power also be seen and known in Haiti. Thank You Lord that I may always take refuge in You in all circumstances.
God is Lord all the time. All the time Jesus is Lord.