As I quickly scrolled through social media last week, I enjoyed the beautiful holiday pictures that filled my feed.

There were floral dresses galore, and adorable children bent over, reaching for brightly-colored Easter eggs until their baskets were full. I admired Spring-themed table decor, complete with creatively designed place settings and fresh-out-of-the-oven ham centerpieces. Of course there were loads of amazing family pictures with coordinated outfits, and – let’s face it – enough retakes to make sure there were no double-chins and all of the littles were looking and smiling.

I even painted my toenails for Easter Sunday, and ya’ll… that’s saying something. Heh.

Oh, how we strive for neatly packaged exteriors and eagerly show up in droves for Resurrection Sunday – a day full of life and light and rightful celebration.

But as we sang of God’s resurrection power and victory over death, a surprise tear escaped from the corner of my eye…

Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
– Stuart Townend

Amidst a powerful worship celebration, my heart was prompted to remember. Guys, it’s so good to remember (after all, we’re instructed to do just that in 1 Corinthians 11). Jesus died the death I deserved. It was my sin that He paid for – both past, future, and the sin that I confessed that very morning. Everything in us wants to run right past the mourning and straight to the celebration. But it’s this godly sorrow that leads to repentance, and that’s what makes the joyful grace celebration that much sweeter.

_______________________

The book of Micah begins with mourning, and rightfully so. The Israelites were deep in sin – stubborn and “stiff-necked” like their ancestors before them, “who did not trust in the Lord their God.” (2 Kings 17:14) Because of the rebellion of many, it would not go well with them, resulting in exile and removal from God’s presence (2 Kings 17:18-23).

And so Micah wept for the destruction that would come upon Judah.

The book of Micah follows the same sort of progression we as believers should reflect on leading up to Resurrection Day – and throughout the whole year – as we stop and preach the gospel to ourselves: in order to fully grasp and properly respond to the depth and beauty of God’s mercy and covenant-keeping relationship towards us, we must first fully grasp the depth of our sin that once separated us from Him.

(I’m not talking self-pity here – that’s misdirected attention towards us. I beg you not to get stuck there. I’m talking about approaching our lives through the lens of the gospel and responding accordingly, so that we give all attention and glory to Jesus.)

Like those in Micah’s day, we are often much too hospitable with our sin. We go far too long before we name it for what it really is, mourn it, confess it, and turn from it in repentance. In a world that demands tolerance over truth, we sometimes even avoid the word altogether. In turn, we miss out on the comfort, freedom, and happiness that God provides in Him.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

Hold on tight through Micah’s mourning… deliverance is coming.

In the book of Micah we’ll see both God’s judgment and God’s mercy. We’ll be reminded that we’re prone to wander, that the Lord disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and that God is a relationship-restoring God; faithful to His promises. I pray that through this journey together we’ll grow in godliness, and be prompted to respond with joy and thanksgiving for God’s amazing compassion, forgiveness, and grace towards us.

Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:4-5

At His feet,

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________

To Do Justice, to Love Kindness, to Walk Humbly

Did you know when you purchase a Love God Greatly journal you are helping us:

1. Create more ongoing Bible studies.
2. Allow us to generously give God’s Word away around the world, equipping women, small churches and ministries who would otherwise not be able to afford these valuable Bible studies.

THANK YOU for your partnership and support! TOGETHER we are helping to change the world…one Bible study, one translation, one woman at a time!

Grab your new journal today in our online store!

Looking for our online Bible study group to join? You can find our Love God Greatly Online Bible Study group here!

WhitneyD

WhitneyD

Grab a journal, build a community,
change women's lives.

Shop our Bible study for women, Triumph Over Trials: 1 & 2 Peter!

Thanks! Make sure you like our Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest pages - and let us know if you'd like to get involved with sharing God's Word with women globally!

Pin It on Pinterest