Judgement begins with the Church

Micah Chapter 1 & 2

Is the story of Micah going to be once more replayed, will it be the story of the United States of America, a great nation who did as the nation of Judah and Israel, who gave claim to being the people of God, but their hearts were far from Him?  Are we exchanging the favor of God, like men who chase after prostitutes, who leave the arms of the wife of their youth for a moment of pleasure, only to fall under the wrath of a holy God?  For that was the sin of Judah and Israel, and I am fearful that is the sin of the church in America.  And God allowed them to be defeated in battle, and to become subject to foreigners.

But it also seems as if the oppressors were their own neighbors, they were the ones who coveted and then took, because their mind and heart was set on self and not on the things of God.  And this was not done in a hidden manner, borders and lands given to families were being removed and yet some were preaching that all was well, and they assumed that God was not watching.  It seems that the people were attacking the righteous and that they had little regard for mothers and their children, and Micah tells us that some were foolish enough to preach saying, “I will preach to you wine and strong drink,” he would be the preacher for this people.” 

What a sad account of people who are the chosen of God, but what about the Church, are we not the bride of Christ, are we not the wild branch that was grafted into the good fig tree, and have we forgotten that it was by grace and through faith in the blood of our Lord that washed away our sin, that it was not our doing, but of God’s love and favor?  And if we go the way of Judah and Israel, will not our Lord still be in charge of the affairs of men, and though we may not believe what He has promised, and though those who hate us may take us captive, once more all the promises of Christ will stand.

And this is the promise to the people of Micah’s time: “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will gather the remnant of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men.” (Micah 2:12)  Has God made a promise to you and if so, do you doubt His faithfulness?  Has He not said; “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice