About 100 years after Micah’s death, the Jews were exiled to Babylon in three waves (605 B.C., 598 B.C. and 586 B.C.), then eventually released by Cyrus the Great in 538 B.C. (more on all that in future posts).
Although Micah specifically condemned the corruption of Samaria and Jerusalem in his day, his words serve as a stark warning to any culture whose economic and political systems run counter to God’s kingdom.
Is America any less immoral; syncretic; idolatrous; indifferent to the poor, weak, and powerless; self-serving; corrupt; or apathetic toward God than Israel was during the time of Micah’s ministry?
I think not.
Yet in the middle of all of this, Micah offers comfort to those who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Micah promises a new era of God’s presence, blessing and protection under the dominion of a Davidic King (see 4:1-5:15).
When the Jews finally returned to rebuild Jerusalem and re-establish their national identity, they looked to Micah’s prophecies and were disappointed to discover that things were not as great as Micah had promised.
Many Christians today feel the same frustration:
“Jesus died for our sins, yet still we struggle. Evil still permeates the earth and the ungodly still prosper. Where is the Lord??”
My friends, don’t lose heart because things aren’t happening as quickly as you’d like. If Jesus had returned 20 years ago, I would not have been counted among His faithful remnant! I thank God for His patient endurance which gave me the grace and time I needed to come to Christ in faith.
What about you?
What if Christ had returned 20 years ago…10 years ago…or yesterday? Would you have been ready? What about your friends, family and loved ones?
Does God’s patience nullify His faithfulness or demonstrate it?
Know this: In the end, every promise God has made will be fulfilled.
Check out Micah’s prayer (7:14), God’s reply (7:15), and the prophetic promise to God’s people (7:16-20):
14 O Lord, protect your people with your shepherd’s staff;
lead your flock, your special possession.
Though they live alone in a thicket
on the heights of Mount Carmel,
let them graze in the fertile pastures of Bashan and Gilead
as they did long ago.15 “Yes,” says the Lord,
“I will do mighty miracles for you,
like those I did when I rescued you
from slavery in Egypt.”16 All the nations of the world will stand amazed
at what the Lord will do for you.
They will be embarrassed
at their feeble power.
They will cover their mouths in silent awe,
deaf to everything around them.
17 Like snakes crawling from their holes,
they will come out to meet the Lord our God.
They will fear him greatly,
trembling in terror at his presence.18 Where is another God like you,
who pardons the guilt of the remnant,
overlooking the sins of his special people?
You will not stay angry with your people forever,
because you delight in showing unfailing love.
19 Once again you will have compassion on us.
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love
as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.
A promise like that is worth waiting for…
