Micah 2:1-13

Micah warns the nation that their sinful lifestyle has brought down God’s wrath upon them.  God does not tolerate sinfulness without consequence.  The people thought that because of their status before the Lord they could simply live however they wanted and that nothing would happen.  They ignored the instructions of God, they ignored the prophets of God, they ignored the warnings of God but they would not be able to ignore the judgment of God.  The same could be said of the world today.  Our society has become ignorant of God’s Word, scoffed at those who teach it and have not fear of God’s wrath.  The only way that man will recognize God and life in fear of Him is through judgment.

A LEADER’S LUST: Israel had been led by leaders who were only motivated by their own lusts.  They constantly wanted more land and more riches and more power.  When they could not achieve what they wanted through legitimate means; they would simply go and take what they wanted by violence.  God would send them messengers to warn them of the consequences of these actions but the leaders and the people refused to hear.  They preferred the messages of the false prophets who assured them that all was well.  God will not tolerate this injustice, so He promises that they too will feel the sting of injustice as they see their lands and houses destroyed by the violence of lustful nations.  God’s stands ready to punish sin with and consequences necessary to convince us to turn from our own lusts.


A LEADER’S LOVE: God has a much different plan for the nation.  He plans to provide a Leader in the person of Jesus who is the Messiah for the nation.  A Leader who will love the people; not exploit them.  Jesus will gather the nation like a flock of sheep and lead them into safety.  He will provide for all of their needs and will give Himself for their salvation.  The contrast between the two leadership styles is very clear.  God’s love for His people is demonstrated by His judgment of them so they will repent and turn to Him.  God will not allow His people to continue to live in rebellion against Him.  He will judge them and bring them back to Himself so they might have the joy of worshiping the Lord who loves them and gave Himself for them.  This same invitation goes out to all of mankind. 

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