God is so good! We are starting the book of Micah today… WooHoo! Think about how the words “Love” and “Hate” have become so casual in today’s world. The relaxed, laid-back use of these two words has more or less emptied them of their true meaning. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say we no longer truly understand statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. Onto the stage walks Micah, who paints the true picture of God – an Almighty Lord who hates sin and loves the sinner.From the book of Hosea all the way through these books of the Minor Prophets, I see one thing that really stands out… God is always very willing to pardon the sins of those who repent. God through Micah, again describes His judgment of Israel because of their rebellion and sin. Now for God to repeat Himself time after time through each of these prophets, makes me believe Israel had chance after chance to repent and turn themselves around. But they never did, and we later read about their destruction and devastation. The book of Micah is interesting because the prophet lists each one of Israel’s despicable sins:
Fraud – “When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family’s inheritance.” Micah 2: 2
Theft – “Yet to this very hour my people rise against me like an enemy! You steal the shirts right off the backs of those who trusted you, making them as ragged as men returning from battle.” Micah 2: 8
Greed – “You have evicted women from their pleasant homes and forever stripped their children of all that God would give them.” Micah 2: 9
Debauchery – “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, ‘I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!’ That’s just the kind of prophet you would like! Micah 2: 11
And to name a few more…
Oppression, Hypocrisy, Heresy, Injustice, Extortion and Lying, Murder, and other offenses
But in the midst of this overwhelming prediction of destruction, Micah gives hope and consolation because he also describes God’s love. As we read more into this book, we’ll definitely catch more than a glimpse of God’s anger. But then we will see God’s love in action as He offers eternal life to all who repent and believe. Stay tuned for more of Micah…
