June 26

Micah 3-5

The prophet Micah has been filled with the power of the Spirit of the Lord to tell Israel of their sin and transgression (3:8). He certainly doesn't hold back when it comes to rebuking them. He has harsh words for leaders who love evil, prophets who lead people astray, and rulers who distort what is right. God is just and holy and He will not allow the sin of the people to go unpunished. They will have to pay for what they have done.

Right in the middle of today's reading is some very good news: there is a Messiah coming who will redeem His people out of the hand of their enemy (4:10). He will rule forever and stand as a shepherd over His flock. His people will live securely and He will be their peace (5:4-5). Even though they have greatly sinned, God is revealing a glimpse of His plan to save His people from their sin.

We have the advantage of hindsight. We already know the amazing way that Jesus the Messiah paid the ultimate price for our sins so that we can have a right relationship with God. Because God is holy and just, He cannot tolerant sin. When someone sins, there must be a price paid in order to make things right again. The good news is that God carried out a plan in which His Son would pay the price for all our sins. God is holy and just, but He also loves us more than we could image. In the midst of rebuking His people for their wickedness, He is telling them that He will never let them go!