Woe to those who plot evil. That seems like an understatement. In our times, we punish the wicked in various ways: fines, labor, imprisonment, and, in extreme cases, death. Still, so many seem to go unpunished. But do they?
Micah 2:1-2 describes how the wicked plotted their wickedness. Some woke up with ideas fresh in mind and rose quickly to implement those plans. Usually such people have been mulling over such ideas.
The evil doers in this passage had power, whether from wealth, politics, or patriarchal status. They made searching for real estate a pursuit of thievery. They did not hide their acts of theft. If they wanted the property, then they took it.
Even more egregious was the use of fraud to get people removed from their homes and inheritance. God had given the Jews a very specific plan for the return of land to the original owners after they had served as indentured servants. These evildoers thumbed their noses at God’s law.
In that day men will ridicule you; they will taunt you with this mournful song: 'We are utterly ruined; my people's possession is divided up. He takes it from me! He assigns our fields to traitors.'" Micah 2:4 (NIV)
In verses 3-5, God reveals His plan of judgment: disaster, complete indefensible disaster. The disaster would be so complete that these people would live in public ridicule and experience the taunting by those who despise them. A song was written for them even before God administered this judgment.
God’s judgment would take everything from those who committed these unrighteous acts. Their family line would no longer be recognized as a legitimate family line. This is tantamount to ostracism! Imagine your entire life being erased from history, and you are still living!
Those who insist on committing evil may want to take notice here. God does play around with judgment. There are not three strikes and you are out. Jesus came to give us a way to receive forgiveness. However, if we are doing evil and we don’t care about God’s judgment, then, well let’s just say that enjoying it while it lasts will not get you through God’s wrath!
Sin is not a game. Sin has serious consequences, and it affects more than the individual. It affects the righteous and the unrighteous alike. A whole nation was being punished! To understand the severity of the punishment, take a look at the Old Testament history. When the exiles return in the future, they had to present proof of their lineage in order to receive an apportionment of what remained of the land given back to the people of Israel. Many could not present any claim, and they were ridiculed! Sin affects generations when not dealt with properly.
God’s judgment is final. For those who wonder if justice will ever take place, remember that no sin will go unpunished (white collared or not). God will judge us all for our acts here on earth. This is why we need to read God’s Word and remain sensitive to God’s Spirit who guides and corrects us.
- What do you think about the judgment of God?
- Why do you think evil people seem to “get away” with their evil acts?
- What would separation from God feel like? That is what should drive our fear of God.
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