During a time of idolatry, social injustice and apostasy, Micah received the divine call for the unpopular task of declaring God's message. Though the book gives a message of impending judgment, an appeal for repentance and future restoration are in it. In these end-times of false doctrines, prosperity gospel and “feel-good” Christianity, the message of Micah is a wake-up call to be heeded. From the text today, an indictment against the leaders and false prophets who exploited the people, let us examine our attitudes and intentions while serving in the Lord's vineyard. 

A Caution to Leaders: The leaders called to rule the nation in justice and peace were instead exploiting and oppressing the people (Vs1-4). The prophets and seers who were to seek God’s directions and guide the people had become people-pleasers who predicted peace, taught for a bribe and told fortunes for money (Vs 5-7).  The sin of the leaders and prophets led the nation into greater sin, thus God’s judgment. How deep the sin of one who knows God’s words and yet leads others astray!( Ezekiel 33:6) Is the present day any better that the days of Micah? Are there not many who consider it more important to please people that to serve the Lord in integrity? Have we failed to share the Good News to the broken-hearted for fear of being ridiculed? Dear child, if you have wavered in your commitment to the Lord, return to Him – for the Lord says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). “I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:22)

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As ambassadors and ministers of Christ, how can we stay committed to the heavenly call?

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• Know the One who called you: The Lord is Holy, Righteous and Just and so He detests sin and cannot leave sin unpunished. But because of His infinite love and tender mercy for us - His creation, He sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ to bear the punishment for our sins. All who believe in Him are forgiven and reconciled to the Father. Therefore knowing the great price of our salvation - the precious blood of Christ, we ought to live holy and sacrificial lives that please and glorify God.   Let us purse godly character, striving day-by-day to be more Christ-like, bearing the fruit of the Spirit that we many not falter in our walk with the Lord. 

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• Know your calling: Every disciple of Jesus Christ has a calling and purpose in this world. In John 17:14 Jesus says, ‘As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.’ The Father’s Commission has been passed on from Jesus to us today. We are to be witnesses for Christ with the gospel message and leading many to repentance and salvation (Matthew 28:19-20) We are to be watchmen who warn the people (Ezekiel 3:17). We are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, drawing other to Christ (Matthew 5:13-16) Be aware of your calling and fulfill it diligently.

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• Know His Power: Micah was filled with the power of God, a sense of justice and courage to expose and condemn the sins of the false prophets at any cost (Vs.8). When God gives us a vision or message to declare, His Spirit empowers us to proclaim it with boldness. Unlike Jonah who tried to run away when he received God’s message, we are to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and declare God’s Word. Only when we comprehend the incomparable greatness of God’s mighty power that saved us and exalted Christ over all power and authority, can we be truly be committed and obedient to the divine calling. (Ephesians 1: 18-21)

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Comprehending the gravity of the divine call on us as disciples, witnesses and ministers of the Lord, let us desire to live an uncompromising life, serving the Lord in holiness and integrity.

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Meditate: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.” (Isaiah 61:1-2)