What do you say about this divine announcement of guilt and punishment? Their indictment charged them with many crimes and offenses. We are still familiar with shady business practices, dishonesty, extortion, and violence, are we not? That’s why when we’re followers of Christ we want to be better than that. We don’t want to fall prey to the very same behaviors that angered God to wish such disaster on his children.
I’m guilty. I cheated on a test once. I’m sure I did. Looking at the addition sheet on my neighbor’s desk was just too easy. I wanted to make sure my answer matched theirs. I confess. But that’s just a simple example of how we all stumble, especially when we may not “know any better.”
What about those people walking around on the planet today that haven’t heard about Jesus or his love for them? How often do you think about them? They don’t have the guide we have to know right from wrong. They haven’t met Jesus, much less learned how to have a relationship with him.
They don’t know how “guilty” they are or how much “punishment” is due. There’s even a saying that goes, “Ignorance is bliss.” Bliss for the moment but not for eternity. I can’t imagine a future without Jesus in it, can you?
There’s a lot in this passage that can speak to us or what we see in the world today. Here are a few of the words that jumped off the page for me.
Fear the Lord if you are wise!
Your citizens are so used to lying that their
tongues can no longer tell the truth.
There is no hope hidden here. Micah is delivering the word from God that also convicts. We, too, are guilty, but forgiveness can be ours. Don’t you love David’s words in Psalm 35:2, “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”
What sins are you guilty of? How does it make you feel to know that what Jesus did will redeem you from the shackles of sin?
Let’s pray. Lord, I am overcome when I spend time in your presence and really reflect on what you did for me. Even while I am still a sinner, you gave. Help my life be a light to help others find you and the opportunity to get to know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
