Take Two in the Morning: Micah 7, Proverbs 31

The final chapter of Micah summarizes again the cause for God's judgment. The corruption of the people (v.2) and the shameless exploitation of the weak by the strong (v.3). This is not a message that the prophet desires to preach (v.1). He sees the judgment and destruction that is coming and there is nothing that the people can do to prevent it (vv.4-6). There is no one to rely on to help in the midst of it...except God.

Fortunately, as Micah reminds us, even in the midst of deserved judgment, the Lord does not ultimately forsake His people. God is not punishing for punishment sake. God is not a rewarder of evil (the Assyrians and Babylonians). God is acting with justice since His people have forsaken Him...and when they turn back to Him, then the God of their Salvation will redeem and restore (vv.7-17).

In closing, Micah gives the basis for this hope in God's salvation (which I believe is a Messianic Salvation- the second coming of Christ and establishment of the Millenial reign of Christ.) In vv.18-20 he notes that God is merciful and gracious towards His people. He notes God's character- not one of anger but one of love. He notes God's promise/covenant with Abraham and his descendents.

In the end, the only hope we have is based, not in our faithfulness, or in the goodness of others, but in the grace of God. Because of that, we can look forward to His salvation with honest, expectant and steadfast anticipation.

Proverbs 31:3 is my takeaway today. "Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings."

The warning here is a guiding principle for the king which he learned from his mother (v.1, for those who think I am being mean toward women). The warning...is a good word for us today.

Though we have liberty and free choices we can make, we must choose to do only that which is wholesome and helpful. We must protect ourselves from the influences that may lead us astray. We are to live lives above reproach and above the influences that might pervert our ways. For the king...his mother told him to not give into the will and wishes of women. My paraphrase is: "be the leader God called you to be." This involves who and what you allow to influence you. In the end, those we allow to influence us actually serve to define us in many ways.