The journey through Micah comes to an end with the promised restoration of Israel. Micah calls for God to shepherd His people. Again we see the staff (or rod). This shepherd’s tool is used to guide and direct. Israel’s exile is symbolized by a forest full of confusion and easy to get lost in. God, the Holy Shepherd, is asked to guide Israel into a fertile pastureland – filled with the truth that can only be found in God’s Word.
Being lost or confused in a forest can be an uneasy and frightening experience. I used to wander through the deep woods behind our home when I was younger. “I have never been lost, but I will admit to being confused for several weeks,” Daniel Boone used to say. That was me (only it was for a couple of hours). Panic tried to set in and added to the confusion. Israel would also be wandering in a forest full of confusion, “Had God really forsaken us? Had we been that bad to deserve this? Would we ever see home or family again?” Hundreds of questions must have been pouring through their minds.
While lost in the woods, I let my mind wander until I found a familiar landmark which helped to reorient my travels. Before long, I made it safely home. The people of Israel were going to need a familiar landmark in order to return safely to God. They had to return to God’s Word, to worship, and to following a lifestyle of holiness.
"As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders." Micah 7:15 (NIV)
When Israel could turn their lives around and return to God, they would experience the wonders of God. The return from exile would be as spectacular as the rescue from Egyptian bandage.
Verses 16 and 17 describe the reaction of the nations that derided Israel. A key word in the NIV is the word “deprived” in verse 16. Israel’s fall would be devastating; so devastating that the conquering nations would get a “big head”. They would see themselves as all powerful and great conquerors. Then as they were riding their high, Israel would become a nation again!
Imagine the bubble bursting in that situation. The enemies of Israel, the great conquerors, would not have any power to do anything about the reuniting of Israel. They would be “deprived” their conquering power!
God delights in showing mercy. This mercy will bring shame to those who ridicule God. People find themselves powerless to God’s love and forgiveness. They are also powerless to God’s will. In an attempt to save face, these shamed nations will try to act as if Israel’s return was not a big deal. They would try to ignore this new success of Israel and refuse to listen to any further successes of this nation guided by a compassionate God. Their denials, however, would turn into fear, fear of a mighty and powerful God. They would lick the dust off the ground as they cowered in God’s presence.
I could go on and on about the significance of God’s mercy and how it affects others. The point here is that those who oppose God are the very ones who constantly attack God’s people (Jews and Christians alike). These people are the ones who end up in shame as God proves Himself over and over through the lives of those who serve Him. So stand strong; God is with you!
Verses 18-20 are an exaltation and testament to God. Who is like God? Who can pardon sin and forgive transgressions? Who does not stay angry as He delights in the mercy He shows? God and only God! There is no one like God. God devised the plan to bring salvation to man. Just think about the word delight. God rejoices in showing mercy! He willingly chooses to show joy over us! I don’t know any other way to say it, so look at these verses:
"Tell them, 'As sure as I am the living God, I take no pleasure from the death of the wicked. I want the wicked to change their ways and live. Turn your life around! Reverse your evil ways! Why die, Israel?' Ezekiel 33:11 (MSG)
The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)
Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10 (NKJV)
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
I could never say it that good!
You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19 (NIV)
I love verse 19. When we ask for forgiveness, God has compassion for us. When my kids fall and hurt themselves, they cry and want to be held. I respond by holding them. That is compassion: showing concern for the concerns of others. Beyond compassion is how God deals with our wrongdoings. He tramples them into dust. He throws sin into the depths of the sea to be forever forgotten and never dredged up again (how many of us can forget like that?). When God sinks something, it stays sunk!
God is true to His Word. The promises He made to Israel will forever be remembered by God.
- What promises has He made to you?
- Are there promises God gives to nations today? What promises can you identify for your nation?
- How is God showing delight in you? How have you been responding?
No comments:
Post a Comment