Day 195 – Micah: Trial of the Leaders
“I said, “Listen, you leaders of Israel! You are supposed to know right from wrong, but you are the very ones who hate good and love evil. You skin my people alive and tear the flesh from their bones.” Micah 3:1-2 NLT
Read Micah 3:1 to Micah 5:15
Micah denounced the sins of the leaders, including priests and prophets – those responsible for teaching the people right from wrong. The leaders, who should have known the law and taught it to the people, had set the law aside and had become the worst sinners. They were taking advantage of the very people they were supposed to serve and protect. All sin is bad, but leading others astray causes particularly great condemnation.
The dividing line between right and wrong may seem blurred, but spiritual leaders are supposed to discern it and help others see it. When leaders lower the standards between right and wrong, people have open doors to exploit others. God has given us His Word, the Bible, which shows us how to distinguish right from wrong. Spiritual leaders must understand the principles of God, teach them clearly, and exemplify them in their own lives. While leaders cannot force people to do right, they should point them in God’s direction and be good examples through their lives.
Today, Christ our King, leads us just as God promised through the prophecies, but until his final judgment, His leadership is visible among those who welcome His authority. We can have God’s peace now by giving up our sins and welcoming Jesus as our true and righteous Leader.
Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be our King and leading us in Your Word to abide by Your principles. Help us to be humble and faithful leaders for others to start following Jesus. May we never waver in our discernment between good and evil, and give us the courage to bring Your Good News to all. Amen.
