Sunday, May 17, 2009

Micah 3:1-4 - Seeking God, at all times

Scripture:

Micah 3:1-4
1 And I said,

"Hear now, heads of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel.
Is it not for you to know justice?
2 "You who hate good and love evil,
Who tear off their skin from them
And their flesh from their bones,
3 Who eat the flesh of my people,
Strip off their skin from them,
Break their bones
And chop them up as for the pot
And as meat in a kettle."
4 Then they will cry out to the Lord,
But He will not answer them.
Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time
Because they have practiced evil deeds.
NASU


Thoughts:

Micah is continuing to unfold the prophecy of God's judgment against the Israelites, steeped in sin.

As he does, we see a response that is repeated countless times, even by people, today.  People often are not interested in the Lord or following His ways (verses 1-3), until they fall into hard times (verse 4a).  Then they cry for mercy!  This cry can sadly reflect a knowledge of God and a desire to escape the hardship, but not true repentance, as in this case.

But even those who do have a relationship with Christ, can approach God in this way.  Keeping Him at arm's length, until we fall into hard times.  But this should not be!  As Christians, we do not have to fear God's judgment as these people did, but He may still allow us to experience the consequences of our sin on this earth.  How much better to stay close to Him, all along.


Prayer:

Lord, may I always walk closely with You, no matter my circumstances. 

In the good times, let me remember the Source of all that is good in my life.  In the bad times, let me remember You have promised to work all things for my good, and that You are always good.  In all times, let me not neglect my privilege as a child of God, to sit in the blessedness of Your counsel.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.