We still see some of these very same sins in our day, don’t we? Striving for power often leads to manipulation, fraud, and violence. This is not new to our times. It might not even look that much different. The bottom line is that evil is still alive and well. Even though centuries have passed, the evil one is still using the same tricks to lure and engage his subjects.
I can truthfully say that I have laid awake at night on numerous occasions. However, I have never schemed against another. In those nights of tossing and turning, I’m usually extremely excited about something about to happen (like a trip to see family) or distraught over a situation that is really outside of my control, but for some reason I want to take it back rather than leaving it in God’s hands.
As God-fearing people, we are not immune to Satan’s attempts to get us off track. That’s why we see so many faithful people caught in the snares of sin. We’ve seen prominent pastors and church staff fall prey to activities they should have known to avoid. Is there anywhere to hide from evil?
Why is it that people always seem to want more and are never content? Apparently, that is not new behavior either! We look at the younger generation who are frequently stereotyped as acting like they are “entitled.” That’s the picture I use to imagine what God was seeing in Micah’s audience, only to a much more serious degree because they were also rejecting God.
How was God going to respond to their disobedience? “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to pull your neck out of the noose. You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time.” Saying it will be “terrible” is an understatement!
Micah even throws a little peer pressure into the mix. Surely the people will want to “save face” and not look bad as their enemies look on. Imagine the jeering God’s chosen will endure. Their foes will soon see them trampled and left to suffer with no rescue by their God. The God of Israel used to be feared by the enemies of God’s people. Now that same God will use these enemies to defeat his own people.
Evil’s strong foothold is poised to crush and lead to destruction even today. Might we be facing a similar situation and not even know it? What sorts of ways can we protect ourselves from evil and be victorious?
Thankfully, we have Jesus and can trust in the victory he has already won. Our search for an understanding of God’s will for our lives will help us stay focused on the right thing and deflect the arrows of the evil one. Discovering God’s will is a lifelong commitment that requires seeking God every day.
Ephesians 6 reminds us of the protection we have in the armor of God. Be sure to reflect on these words from Proverbs 3:5-6, too. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Let’s pray. Lord, your love surrounds me and keeps me safe. Together, we will not let evil win. Thank you for your protection. Help me always seek your will for my life and look to your power and guidance in all decisions I make. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
