Day 192 – Micah: Introduction
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT
‘Love’ and ‘hate’ have become society’s bywords, almost tired clichés tossed carelessly at objects, situations and even people. The casual use of such powerful words as ‘love’ and ‘hate’ has emptied them of their true meanings. We no longer understand statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. So, we picture God as gentle and kind – a cosmic pushover – and our misconceptions and wishful thinking temper our concept of what He hates.
The words of the prophets stand in stark contrast to such misconceptions. God’s hatred is real and true – burning, consuming, and destroying. He HATES sin, and He stands as the righteous Judge, ready to mete out just punishment to all who defy His rule. God’s love is also real and true. So real that He sent His only Son, Jesus our Messiah, to save and accept judgment in the sinner’s place. In God, love and hate are together – both unending, irresistible, and unfathomable.
The book of Micah sketches this true picture of God, the almighty Lord who loves people and hates sin. We see the depth of the meaning of ‘love’ and ‘hate’, and begin to slightly understand God’s passion through these words.
Prayer: Father, thank You for showing us the passion of Your heart when it comes to the words and emotions we use so lightly. Allow us to see Your heart in the prophetic writings of Micah. Amen.
