Micah 4:1-13
Wednesday, 13 October 2021
“In that day”, says the LORD,”I will assemble the lame, I will gather the outcast and those whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the outcast a strong nation; so that the LORD will reign over them.” Micah 4:6-7
In the book of Micah, we can see the picture of the Gospel. The standard of God (6:8), the sins of the people (1:7; 5:13; 2:1 etc.) and the Salvation of God (7:18,19) are written clearly. Our reading today, Chapter-4, begins with the reference to the latter days (4:1) – which is a pointer to the end days.* The comprehensive plan of God concerning those who seek Him is well defined here. In verse 12 it says: “But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD, not do they understand His counsel.”
It is often difficult for the unregenerate mind to grasp the things of God – they are foolishness to them (1Cor.2:14). However, when a person is transformed by the renewing of his mind, the will of God for his life (that is—the plans and purposes of God for him) will be made known and understood. Those plans of God are good, acceptable and perfect (Romans12:2).
In Micah, the multitudes of the sins committed by the people are enlisted. They were living in those sins, not understanding the plans of God for their lives! See the list in various chapters: Idolatry –1:7 & 5:13,14, evil plans – 2:1, violence, oppression, coveting – 2:2, hating good and loving evil – 3:2, greedy priests and prophets – 3:11, deceit – 6:11,12, unfaithfulness – 7:2, family friction – 7:6.*
As the key verses state, God had the plan to assemble, gather and make them strong (Micah 4:6 & 7). These words are emphatic showing the determination of God to see that the plan of God for His people is established. Yet the people were unaware of it and they spent their lives the way they wanted! But God in His mercy and love had a desire to save them! We see a glimpse of it in Micah 7:18 & 19: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. “
It is the same in our times too. People forget God and His plans for their lives. They would like to live a life independent of God. Yet, God’s unfailing love has already put in place a plan to restore people’s lives. However, God’s way of restoration involves the person— one has to repent of his/her ungodly ways and come to God through Jesus Christ. Take note of 2 Timothy 2:19: “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness.” When we abstain -willfully keep ourselves away from wicked/ungodly ways, we will be known by God. When God knows us He will be pleased in our lives and will reveal His plans for our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 exhorts: “Abstain from every form of evil.”
As it is given in Micah 4:5 – Let us learn to walk in the name of the LORD our God and not in our self-willed ways!! On that day (the Day of Judgement) the Lord wants to reign over you – for which you need to let His authority come upon you by keeping all ungodly ways away from you.
Will you?
Decide:
“…But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever.” (Micah 4:5)
*[Adapted from NKJV Study Bible]