Day 261

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Scripture

September 17—Micah 6-7: Controversy between Judah and Jehovah

Observation

A controversy exists between God and his people, and a court convenes to resolve the issue. God himself is the Prosecuting Attorney, and his people are the defendants. Heaven and earth are called together as jury to sit in judgment on the case. The evidence is presented against the nation of Judah: halfhearted worship, empty ritual, persistent rebellion, deception, hypocrisy, corruption, greed, idolatry. The verdict is swift and decisive: Guilty as charged! And yet, though the evidence is overwhelming and the sentence must be executed (exile in Babylon for seventy years), there is more to look forward to than an endless imprisonment. A full pardon and renewed status await God's people when their days of exile are completed.

One example of their corrupted nature is their wicked balances and wobbly scales. The merchants in Micah's day were so dishonest that many of them carried two sets of balance weights for their business transactions: a heavier set to be sure they got more than they paid for and a lighter set to insure that their customers received less than they expected. Read about God's response to this double standard in 6:10-16.

Application

How worthy is the God you worship? If you were to give God all your earthly possessions as a thank offering, would he be worthy of that? If you were to serve God every moment of your life in selfless ministry to others, would he be worthy of that? If you were to give your body to be burned at the stake for his name, would he be worthy of that? If you create a hymns playlist and sing every song it contained a hundred times over to the glory of God, would he be worthy of that?

To these and hundreds of imaginary situations like them, the answer is a resounding "Yes!" God is worthy of your greatest gift, your noblest act of service, your very life, for "Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people, for you love to be merciful" (7:18). Praise him for his worthy character right now.

Prayer

Dear Lord God, we want to receive all that you have in store for us. We are not satisfied with a low religious life;  superficial, vague and unknown so we are praying for more. We are not after being saved from some sin, but saved from all sin both inward and outward. We are after holiness of heart and life by living according to your Word. Please help us to pray without ceasing to elevate us to the place that is worthy of being in your presence. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen!

Pray without Ceasing!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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