Micah 7 Devotions
By Pastor Mark Hudson
This is a fitting conclusion to his book. As we know, Micah produced a brief book but his ministry was lengthy and substantive. This section is hopeful and ends on a respectful, awe filled note of praise.
1-7 is an easily discerned section. In Micah 7: 1-7, Micah rails against the corrupt nation. This description fits so many countries at different times. This shows the corrupt, materialistic, and godless nation that Judah had become. They are violent (2), scheming (2), hands dedicated to evil (3), the politicians and judges receive bribes (3), the great and best of them are worthless (2, 3). You can’t even trust your neighbor, friend, even spouse (5). One’s immediate family can’t be trusted. We see a breakdown in morality, leadership, and family (Boice). American Christianity has a lot of “I” in it. Biblical Christianity is often more “we”. Yet here is a time when the prophet proclaims his individual faith. So, Micah in v. 7, confesses his own loyalty to God. At the core of a group or community response must be an individual resolve to follow Christ.
8-20 Per Bruce Waltke’s commentary , this section has 4 almost equal stanzas.
8-10 Jerusalem confesses to an unknown enemy her faith in the Lord
11-13 Zion will become a vast sheepfold offering salvation to the elect. Notice that the boundaries will need to be enlarged due to people coming from Assyria and Egypt.
14-17 Micah prays to the Lord. Just as God led Israel out of Egypt, God will shepherd His people and God’s enemies will submit to God’s rule. The exodus in the Bible is also used as an example of salvation – the bondage of the Egyptians is like the bondage of sin (I Corin 10:1).
We find in the Bible, times when the wicked mock the righteous (Ps 2:1-3, “Why do the nations rage . . the Kings of the earth . . .take counsel together against the Lord . . . .”
But here in Micah and other places in Scripture, “[they will] be ashamed, they will lay their hands on their mouths (similar to “Well, shut my mouth!”), and will turn in dread to the Lord our God”
8-20 Micah begins by repeating the essence of his name, “Who is like Yahweh?” He concludes with praise and adoration for God’s forgiveness.
Observe that Micah expects some measure of judgment but it will be a chastening judgment. The Lord is indignant yet also “pleads my cause” and provides vindication (9). This vindication will be seen by his enemies (10). In v. 12, God’s salvation will reach to the Gentiles – Assyria and Egypt (12).
Then the verses 18-20 are so memorable. What a great question to ponder, “Who is a God like you? . . .” We ought to never forget how the Bible describes how forgiving God is: “. . . pardoning iniquity and passing over transgressions . . . he does not retain his anger forever . . . .” v. 19
Where can we find anyone so loving: “. . . he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us.” V. 19
Then, as if God’s love reminds Micah of God’s forgiveness, Micah returns to His forgiveness as if forgiveness and love are bound together. “. . . he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
It is hard to fathom that when God forgives, he really does forgive. He passes over our sins (like the Passover), he does not stay angry, he casts our sins into the depths of the sea. Who does that? Think about this. Ponder and meditate on His great love and His forgiveness. Let it rest with all its weight on you. Walk outside and ponder His love. Take time to think, praise, and pray about God. May we keep pondering His love until the last second of our lives . . . right up to the moment when we see him in all His majestic glory.
Daily Scripture Reading Calendar (tomorrow we begin Revelation)