THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Micah 6:1-7:10
Psalm 51

God’s Word is a two-edged sword.
Keep it shining and sharp!

REPENTANCE PREREQUISITE TO RESTORATION

This section calling for repentance from their many sins is addressed both to Judah and Israel. While the mention of Omri and Ahab (Mic 6:16) had direct reference to Israel, nevertheless, through Athaliah the daughter, Baalism was spread also to the Southern Kingdom.

The mountains and hills had witnessed God’s mercies upon His people from the days of the Exodus to the present. So they were called to testify as the prophet remonstrated with his generation. Their apostasy in yielding to the wiles of Balak and Balaam was one ancient sin mentioned here against them — idolatry and fornication.

Sacrifices costing much money and expense cannot take away sin without repentance. Interestingly Micah 6:8 was chosen by Jimmy Carter at the time of his installation as President of the United States. And what is the use of giving to God on the one hand and cheating on one’s neighbour on the other (Mic 6:11-12)?

On behalf of true Israel, Micah further confessed her sins before God, while there was a mourning for fruitlessness.

Morality and integrity had so degenerated as to disappear from the scene. Crime and intrigue ran rampant. Princes and judges were corrupt, and he who bribed well was covered up. The best specimen in the community was no better than a brier and a thorn hedge. The watchmen, i.e. the prophets, warned against their wickedness but in vain. No one could be trusted, not even one’s wife. In the family there was strife between the older and younger generations so that a man’s enemies were the men of his own house (Mic 7:6).

With this confession the prophet could look to God for salvation. Entrusting himself to God he could face his enemies and their ridicule.

THOUGHT: (Read Isaiah 1:8.)
PRAYER: I thank Thee, Lord, for Thou art an ever-forgiving God.

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