Day 196 – Micah: Trial of the People
“Listen to what the Lord is saying: “Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel.” Micah 6:1-2 NLT
Read Micah 6:1 to Micah 7:20
Picture a courtroom. God, the judge, tells his people what He requires of them and recites all the ways they have wronged Him and cheated others. Chapters 4 and 5 are hopeful, but chapters 6 and 7 proclaim judgment on the people’s selfish lifestyles and unfair economy, appealing to the people to repent.
God called to the mountains as a witness to confirm the people’s guilt. It may sound a bit strange, but it was in the high places (mountain tops) that the people had built pagan altars and had sacrificed to false gods (1 Kings 14:23, Jeremiah 17:2-3, Ezekiel 20:28).
People would never be able to answer God’s question, “O my people, what have I done to you?” because God had done nothing wrong. He had been exceedingly patient with them, had always loved and guided them, and given them every opportunity to return to Him.
Israel responded to God’s request by trying to appease him with sacrifices, hoping He would leave them alone and not bring His judgment upon them. Sacrifices and other religious rituals aren’t enough and are false and empty. God wants changed lives with righteous-seeking hearts. He wants His people to be fair, just, merciful, and humble – living sacrifices for His glory. God will pour His transforming love into our hearts when we follow Him consistently and allow our lives to be transformed by Him.
Prayer: Father, when I read this part of Micah, I wonder what I would answer Your questions. I realise that I would not be able to and stand just as guilty as Israel. But I thank You, Lord, for giving us Jesus and transforming our lives to be Your children. Amen.
