If someone asked you, “What is God like?” How would you answer? What words would you use to describe Him?
During 2024, God reminded me of His faithfulness, even when I was weak and sick and unable to do much for Him. He showed me again and again His faithful love for me, which doesn’t depend on what I can do for Him but is shown in all Christ has done for me.
We need to know what God is like. Only then will we be able to trust Him throughout the changing seasons of our lives. We find out what God is like as we read about Him in the Bible. Micah 7 highlights many of His attributes.
The People Rebel
The Israelite people were at a difficult point in their history. Micah was a prophet sent to warn them to change their ways, or they would be sent into exile. It wasn’t a popular message.
At the start of this chapter, Micah laments. He is heartbroken and feels alone as he looks around and sees the lack of faithfulness in how God’s people are living. In the society around him, everyone, from the top to the bottom, seems to be out for themselves. They don’t care how it impacts others. Even families can’t trust each other.
Within the society around Micah, abuse and exploitation of the poor, weak, and vulnerable was the norm. This angered God. His people were to be marked by holiness and love, yet they are acting wickedly towards each other. They are not living any differently than the nations around them. As a result, the Israelites were not able to demonstrate to those nations what a right relationship God looks like so that they could be drawn to Him.
God Intervenes in His Timing
Despite the chaos around him, Micah demonstrates what it looks like to live differently and fully surrendered to God. He writes,
“But I will keep watching for the Lord; I will wait for the God who delivers me. My God will listen to me.” – Micah 7:7
Micah knows God will act. He will intervene to change the path His people are on just like a loving parent intervenes to correct a wayward son or daughter. But Micah has to wait. In the waiting, he prays and knows God listens to his prayers. Micah’s hope is in the Lord.
Even though the book of Micah was written before the Lord delivers His people, Micah writes as if it has happened. He trusts the Word of the Lord. He knows that salvation will come because it is coming from God!
There are times when we too have to wait as we pray and ask God to intervene. I encourage you to take heart in these times. Our hope is in the Lord, and His plans will not be thwarted. We can rest in His promises.
God Faithfully Restores
At this point Micah’s focus changes from the issues going on in Israel and the other nations to God. He asks the question in verse 18, “Who is a God like you?”
We all know the answer – there is no one like our God. He is completely different to anything or anyone in all of creation.
Micah then goes on to list a few characteristics of the Lord in verses 18 to 20, including:
- He forgives sin – God is able to forgive those who deviate from living as they were made to.
- Pardons the rebellion – He forgives our misplaced worship of other things and people as well as our selfish desires to be equal with Him.
- Does not stay angry – God’s anger is justified, but He does not remain angry. He is our loving Heavenly Father who seeks to correct His children.
- Delights in showing loyal love – God delights to show us mercy and grace. His love for us is unwavering.
- Will once again have mercy on us – The Lord is compassionate and merciful, not just once but repeatedly. While He is just, He also seeks to bless:
For this reason the Lord is ready to show you mercy;
he sits on his throne, ready to have compassion on you.
Indeed, the Lord is a just God;
all who wait for him in faith will be blessed.
(Isaiah 30:18)
- Will conquer our evil deeds – God is able to destroy sin completely. He will be victorious! While we may experience consequences as a result of our sin, God’s desires for us to live fully forgiven and free through the freedom found in Jesus Christ. Over time God changes the desires of our hearts as He is able to make us more Christ-like.
- Will hurl our sins into the depths of the sea – Our sin will be no more. As it says in Revelation 21:1,
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had ceased to exist, and the sea existed no more.
- Will be loyal – God is the covenant keeper. His love remains steadfast no matter how forgetful we are. God remains faithful and keeps His promises to us.
I am reminded of the hymn – The Lord is My Salvation by Keith and Kristyn Getty. It repeats this chorus:
Who is like the Lord, our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the victory won
The Lord is my salvation
What an amazing God we have the privilege to know and serve. Take time today to praise Him and worship Him for who He is and all He has done to rescue you.
