August 25

Micah 7

Micah laments the degradation of his fellow men, but hopes in the Lord.

INSIGHT

Micah sets his narrative in an imaginary courtroom where he pours out scathing rebuke on the injustice he sees in the fellow men around him. The evidence is brought forth and the children of Israel are found guilty. Sins swarm from Micah´s pen, filling the first third of his book. The second portion of this book addresses sin. Jerusalem will be destroyed, and the people will be banished to captivity in Babylon. Typical of the prophets of God, the third part of the book tells of hope. A divine Deliverer will appear, and once again justice and righteousness will reign.

PRAYER

Thank the Lord that He heals our emotional pain, and praise Him because He restores our hope and joy:
The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
From the place of His dwelling He looks
On all the inhabitants of the earth;
He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works…
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope in His mercy,
To deliver their soul from death,
And to keep them alive in famine
(Psalm 33:13-15, 18-19).

Now express any additional thoughts of praise, adoration, or thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah (Psalm 32:5).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:10-11).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Sensitivity to the needs of others
• Strength for missionaries in Brazil
• Whatever else is on your heart

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him (1 John 3:1).