“I will certainly gather all of you, O Jacob, I will certainly assemble those Israelites who remain. I will bring them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in the middle of a pasture; they will be so numerous that they will make a lot of noise. The one who can break through barriers will lead them out; they will break out, pass through the gate, and leave. Their king will advance before them; the Lord himself will lead them.”
Into the Text
The book of Micah combines warnings of judgment with messages of hope. While it’s easy to focus on hope, we must understand it in light of judgment. Micah warns Israel and Judah of invasions by Assyria and Babylon, sent as judgment for their sins. Their leaders acted greedily, violating God’s laws by exploiting the poor and vulnerable.
Notice what the people say when they were warned of this judgment. They say that God’s patience will never run out. He would never send the people into exile (Micah 2:7). Though the people are right that God is patient and long-suffering, they misunderstand God’s holiness. God cannot let sin go unpunished. He would not be just if He did.
While the judgment promised may be hard to read, it is also merited. The people wanted their own ways over God’s ways, so God was giving them over to what they wanted. This would end poorly for the people of Israel and Judah. By understanding the judgment promised, we can better appreciate the message of hope.
God is also gracious and merciful. He promised to preserve the faithful remnant. The end of chapter 2 describes God as the shepherd of the people. He will gather His people together and be their true king. How amazing! God didn’t have to make this promise, but He chose to.
When we understand who God truly is, it allows us to worship Him as we should. We must understand both God’s divine justice as well as His mercy and grace. It’s in light of these characteristics that we can stand forgiven and free through the cross of Jesus Christ. What an incredible God we serve!
Prayer
God, thank you that you are holy, merciful, and don’t treat believers as our sin deserves. Help me to live with a right understanding of your character. May it lead me to truly worship you. Amen.