The Bible tells us that God spoke through Micah in visions to let us know that the people were guilty of many sins. They plotted evil to steal land, houses, and inheritance from the poor by fraud and violence (Micah 2: 1-2). God accused them of stealing the shirts right off the backs of those who trusted them (Micah 2: 8-9). Small scale profiteering is not new! They evicted women and stripped their children of their God-given rights. They hated good and loved evil even though they knew better! Micah 3 tells us that audacious acts of bribery existed, justice was despised or distorted and they murdered to get what belonged to others. Greed, love of power and the wrong use of entitlements can cause disaster in society. Despite rumors of rifts, many sins continued then and the same sins bombard our world. God called Micah to prophesy about existing sins, future destruction if warnings were not heeded by wicked rulers and prophets. Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah were three famous kings who ruled during this time and witnessed Micah’s prophecies and his work for God. Those kings also watched as people turned their hearts from God’s ways. Jotham and Hezekiah were good kings, but Ahaz was known for his wicked and evil deeds.
Micah not only pointed out the sins of his day, but told of God’s hatred of sin, but at the same time of His love for the sinners. John 3:16 reaffirms God’s love for us. Micah predicted that a new king was coming who would bring peace to God’s people. This King Jesus did not appear until hundreds of years later to die for our sins. Micah offered chances to repent for sins, warned of unfair judges, false prophets and other abusers of oppressed people for their evil ways. God was not pleased because their motives were wrong when sacrifices were made. Let us refer to chapter 3 again and see that money influenced decisions and justice could have been bought if the price was right. Many people will agree with corruption when money is involved instead of standing for righteousness.
Micah 3:11 tells us that spiritual duties were not performed without pay. No genuine love for God was shown and faith in the existing leadership dwindled. Micah’s mission was to warn the people before God judged them. Idolatry and other evil deeds continued to exist. The prophet Micah let the people know that the usual sacrifices of young calves, rams and olive oil were no longer acceptable for sins committed (Micah 6:6-7). God was refusing those empty sacrifices when their hearts had not changed and they were probably pretending. God cannot be bribed!
Today we can join Micah in saying God has already told us what is right and good (Micah 6:8). In our day, somehow we must continue to seek God’s guidance to survive downfalls, betrayals and unfaithfulness among our associates. We must also continue to pray for each other because Satan sometimes works overtime to destroy our testimonies for God! Keep reading God’s warnings through Micah to better understand what He requires of us as we continue our journey from earth to heaven!
Mrs. Gladys McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.