The book of Micah was written to a Judah audience in the late eighth century. In this book, the author shows criticism for the political as well as the spiritual leaders of the land. The author does this not because of any thoughts of anarchy, but because the leaders’ corruption had permeated the entire community. The leaderships’ sparks of injustice inflamed the land, causing a blazing torrent to wreak havoc causing injustice to reign. This understanding of corrupt leadership should influence our church today. It is no well kept secret that church leadership positions have been used for injustice. The church should therefore be the spokespersons for the LORD, speaking out against corruption within the church and outside the church. As Micah points out, corruption in leadership does not merely affect the walls of the church (in his case, the places of worship and kingly courts), it affects the entire community.
Micah laments the fact that all the righteous ones are gone from the land, and the ones who remain do evil (Micah 7). According to Micah, God is bringing a lawsuit against the people (Micah 6). The corruption is so vast that one cannot even trust their own spouse or offspring (Micah 7:5-6). Though the people performed the acts of worship, they were still taking advantage of the poor, taking bribes, and judging unjustly (Micah 3). Therefore, Judah was to be destroyed (Micah 3:15). Yet Micah says these very powerful words: “But as for me, I will look to the LORD, I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). These words held an enriching power. Though corruption had permeated every level of society, Micah was able to find hope in God. Essentially, Micah was saying that even though corruption was rampant, he (a true prophet of YHWH) would not indulge in it. Instead he would stay faithful to YHWH, waiting for him to act. This became the mentality of the Jewish people once they returned to the land (after exile) and were persecuted by the Seleucids (an empire that controlled Palestine for a time). During this dark time, many Jews were murdered in despicable ways. Yet, taking up the voice of Micah, they refused to take part in the rampant evils surrounding them. They chose to be faithful to the covenant, despite the harsh outcomes, and waited for God to intervene. Christians today have this similar hope. The world today is very much like the chaos Micah describes. Corruption and violence permeates all realms of society (domestic, social, political, etc). At times we do not know who to trust or where corruption really lies. But we must look to the LORD; our God will hear us.
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Announcements:
Fall Festival on October 31 from 3-5pm at KBM
we are looking for a few volunteers to facilitate the Fishing Game (the CBC booth for Fall Festival).
Use the Signup Genius link here to sign up for times
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D44AAA62FA3FDCF8-66965797-fall
ADVENT WRITING is coming soon! Would you be interested in writing a short piece for an advent devotional? We will be creating a collection of advent writings for our church and any others. More information will be supplied this Sunday!
Christmas Shoe Boxes along with instructions will be placed at the back of the church for anyone or group that is interested in filling a Christmas Shoebox for a child
Community Art for November 21 is from 4-6. More Information will be provided as we approach that time
Weekly Church Schedule
Sunday School has resumed
9:45 for Children and Adults
Worship at 11pm
Prayer Posse at 12pm on Wednesdays
Pastor Steven will be in his office from 8-4 (Monday -
Thursday), unless I am meeting with a church member or a community member outside of the church buildingIf the “Open” sign is on, I am in the office. Come on in to say hi and sit and talk for a while. I would love to see you
If you need me for anything, you can call or text me at 972-921-2516
