This chapter begins with notes of sorrow and ends with hope.  Micah lamented the circumstances of his day. Micah watched as society rotted around him, sound familiar? Rulers demanded gifts, judges accepted bribes and corruption was everywhere; the world hasn’t really changed. But God promises to lead the people out of the darkness of sin and into His light. Because sin was so rampant throughout the land, it affected, distorted and perverted every human relationship.

Worldly sin continues to have the same effect on relationships today, we can all identify in our own lives or in the lives of family members and friends how sin has resulted in broken relationships. A friend could not be trusted, a guide could not be given confidence; sons and daughters rebelled against their parents, a man’s wife rebelled against his mother and household servants turned against their masters (v. 1-6). In short, chaos reigned throughout the land.

But Micah shows great faith in God, both personally and on behalf of Israel as he proclaimed that he would wait upon the Lord because He hears us and saves us when help is needed. God delights to show mercy, He does not forgive grudgingly but is glad when we repent and offers forgiveness to all who come back to Him. Micah is speaking for a penitent people who know they have sinned and been judged and set for punishment. They are perhaps feeling a little sorry for themselves and missing the blessings from God. Their desire is to recover their relationship with God. Israel is speaking in confidence that even though the circumstances are dark God will shine His light, they will be helped to endure the hardships knowing that God will send His light to guide them.

Sin is the enemy of all mankind, Jesus took our sin upon His body on the cross; He clothed us in righteousness. We must believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and know His grace has set us free.

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Questions:

What does God do with our sins when we’ve been humbled and we confess and repent? What does this show us about God’s character and His love?

Prayer:

Thank you Lord God that you hear us when we call out to you in our times of need. Help us to be always patient in the knowledge that your love is certain, secure in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as we wait for God my Saviour to reappear. Amen.