June 25

Micah 1-2

We've been reading about a lot kings lately. Judah and Israel had many kings since Solomon. With the exception of a few, they had all done evil in God's eyes. It's almost reads like a broken record! They don't ever seem to get it right. They murder, plot, steal, cheat, worship useless idols. The Lord used Micah to tell Israel that He had enough and His patience was coming to an end.

Exodus 34:6-7 says "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." Micah was letting the people know that God will not let their wickedness go unpunished. He has been patient, compassionate, and gracious. But the people have shown no regard for God's law. They know His commands, yet deliberately disobey. Micah 1:9 describes Judah as suffering from an incurable wound. This wound is something that we all suffer from - SIN.

This is not the first time God had had enough. He sent a flood to wipe out the whole earth except Noah and his family. He sent fire down on Sodom and Gomorrah. The Israelites had many examples to show them that God would not just stand by and let sin rule their lives.

It's easy for me to read about all these kings and wonder: Didn't they know better? Why couldn't they get it right? Then I realize that all of us, including me, are disobedient and test God's patience daily. We should remember that although we serve a compassionate, loving God, he is also powerful and just.