Wednesday Reflection – August 21, 2019
Live Responsibly!
I must bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he takes my side and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light: I shall see his vindication. Micah 7:9
Responsibility and accountability are two critical words to apply to everyone and to every sphere of life. Daily we hear the demand for accountability of political, public and private sectors, civil and religious leaders. We also hear the challenge for all to demonstrate responsibility in how we conduct ourselves at home, school, work, as we use the roads etc. Taking responsibility is an honourable thing, but also a Christ-like attribute. God is always summoning us to be responsible in all aspects of our lives.
Today’s Watchword presents the prophet Micah taking responsibility not only for himself, but for his people. He outlined the crumbling relationships that existed among God’s people. Their rampant sin and selfishness had led to the decay of personal relationships among God’s people. One could not trust a friend nor put confidence in a companion. Even blood relatives were at war with each other. He then warned his enemies not to gloat over his present distressing condition, for he will rise. In today’s text he admits that he, and by extension his people, have sinned and must bear the penalty.
We must note that Micah places himself and his people confidently in the hands of God. He is prepared to bear God’s wrath. I can hear David in 2 Samuel 24:14, “I am in great distress; let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into human hands.” It is better to be in God’s hand and under his chastisement than to be under the punishment of humans. In God’s hand, we are assured of justice and fair treatment. Humans tend to forget that we are all sinners and we crucify others by our actions and especially with our tongue.
Micah accepts the punishment for his sins. When we fail to accept God’s punishment and murmur against God, we do not truly acknowledge our guilt and we act irresponsibly. God’s people pled guilty before God; but, in respect of their enemies, they were innocent and undeserving of the pain brought on by them. The people were guilty of idolatry, ingratitude towards God, injustice, unfaithfulness, and unmerciful against one another. These sins deserved serious punishment. The people humbled themselves and were willing to bear patiently and submissively the indignation of the Lord; the just and chastising measures of the Lord and its consequences.
Such a powerful lesson for us today! We ought to be quick to acknowledge our wrongs, repent of them, and be ready to receive God’s punishment. Yet, such punishment is mixed with mercy, for we cannot bear the full brunt of God’s wrath against our sinful actions.
Till next week, let’s strive to live responsibly, and when we fail let’s acknowledge same and seek God’s forgiveness.