Again the prophet gives a fuller understanding of what God’s people were doing to offend God. Although we may be tempted callously to skim over the descriptions of their sin, it is helpful to consider what they were actually doing and why it offended God. Since they are an object lesson to us of man in his fallen state, and thus a lesson of what we ourselves are capable, we can gain insight into our own hearts and our own standing before God.
We also hear more in Micah about how God intends to judge His people for their sin. As with the sins, we may tend to turn a deaf ear to these descriptions because we’ve heard so much of them, but we would be wise to pay attention to their lessons for us. Why would God preserve this message for us today? What strikes you most about the punishments he describes? Instead of being bored by the seemingly same message we’ve heard from other prophets, we should appreciate the demonstration of God’s mercy and patience in His repetition of His message through so many servants. We also shouldn’t miss the fact that all the judgment He foretold came to pass, and His people have suffered greatly for it. We had better understand that while He is long-suffering, He won’t put up with sin forever. We dare not presume upon His patience and mercy.
We also must not miss the ultimate message of Micah, and that it is a message of hope. What most speaks to you about this message?