MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Micah 3:1
Psalm 48

"Great is the LORD,
and greatly to be praised…"

PROFESSIONAL PRINCES, PRIESTS AND PROPHETS

Micah’s indictment which began with powerful landlords grasping lands and houses (Mic 2:2) and leading on to peeling garments off the backs of visitors to the land (Mic 2:8) then climaxed with the flesh of the people being eaten (Mic 3:3, 5). Here we see the law of the jungle being enacted, dripping red by tooth and claw. Who are these beasts of prey that eat up God’s people?

First on the list were the false prophets. A false prophet need not be one who teaches heresy. A professional prophet, whose God is his belly (Phil 3:19) and, said Calvin, "whose religion is his kitchen," is also a false prophet. We find plenty of them in Micah’s day, in Paul’s day, and in our day. Upon such prophets or preachers in our day, God sends darkness while it should be day. "…ye shall not have a vision…" (Mic 3:6) and "…they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God" (Mic 3:7). No wonder there is no power from many a pulpit today. The reason behind this is that gluttonous eating and drinking have brought drowsiness and drunkenness. As for Micah, he could testify of that pent-up divine power in him that could not be contained. He must release it against the transgressions of the heads of the house of Jacob.

Next on the line were the princes who took bribes and the priests who would not perform their duties until they got paid. Similarly, the prophets "…divine for money…" (Mic 3:11). Hypocritically, they claimed the Lord to be among them. They relied on a make-believe security. They were victims of their own deception.

For the sins of the leaders of Israel, yea, even of Zion (Judah) retribution must come. The land would be devastated and deserted through the ravages of war. Let every nation take note. Let Christians pray for their government. (Read 1 Timothy 2:2.)

THOUGHT: (Read Isaiah 56:11.)
PRAYER: Work in the hearts of my country’s government, O Lord.

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