The Justice God Seeks

Bible Passage: Micah 2:1-13

This sermon opens up a new series on Micah, and immediately dives into something heavy. Before getting into the passage it is worth sharing some content on the book and the prophet. Micah’s ministry occurred during the 8th century BC in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and was set against the backdrop of the rise of Assyria. Things were not well amongst God’s people, with injustice, immorality and idolatry rife, and judgement looming. Micah’s message is direct, and makes the clear charge that ungodliness cannot persist within God’s people, whilst at the same time holding out a mercy, redemption and hope for the future.

In chapter 1, Micah declares the coming judgement as a result of Israel’s sin, and now in chapter 2 we see him break down much more clearly exactly what has gone wrong, before ending with a note of hope that God still offers despite it all.

The Corruption God Sees (v1-2): The chapter begins with Micah calling out wrongdoers specifically, and he has in mind those who spend their night in bed plotting evil and then the next day carrying out their plans. This is premeditated and callous injustice, and the result is that the vulnerable are defrauded and robbed. In every society there can be a move from those with wealth and power to consolidate their positions by taking from others, and that is what is happening here. When this occurs it can be easy for the perpetrators to feel like they can get away with anything, and for victims to feel overlooked and forgotten. And yet as the prophet confronts this behaviour, we see that it has not escaped God’s notice. God sees injustice, wherever it may take place, and he will act against it.

The Judgement God Announces (v3-5): We move in these verses to God’s own response to the issues that the prophet has highlighted, and this response is judgement. God speaks of disaster and calamity that are coming. Passages like this can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially to those of us who live in privileged and affluent contexts. For those on the receiving end of the injustices of Judah, hearing that God intended to do something about it perhaps came as something of a relief. The judgement of God against sin is a consistent theme throughout scripture, and one that we should take seriously. God is holy and calls his people to live in holiness too. We cannot claim to be God’s people but then exploit others and refuse to live with justice. From the perspective of the New Testament, we know there is mercy as we turn from our sin to Christ, but this mercy does not remove the call to turn away from sin and live lives of justice that love our neighbours as ourselves as well as loving God with all that we are.

The Truth the People Won’t Hear (v6-11): Like many of the Biblical prophets, Micah’s message was bold and direct. In verse 6 we hear of other prophets who rejected this word. They claimed to speak in God’s name, but didn’t want to hear this kind of message that challenged injustice. Verse 11 even speaks of those willing to prophesy in exchange for wine and beer! In the New Testament we are warned of those who will gather teachers around them that say whatever they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3), and this is a danger in every age. It is possible to find preacher and Bible teachers who will only ever bring a message that seems pleasant and palatable, and this does not serve people well. Of course we should not seek to be confrontational or abrasive for the sake of it either, but as we truly speak God’s word we must expect that it will both encourage and challenge, and there will be times where it presents a message that people find difficult to hear.

The Hope God Promises (v12-13): Despite the state of society, and the warning of coming judgement, God has not given up on his people. These final verses speak of how God will gather the remnant of his people together into his sheepfold. The leaders and prophets may have failed the people, but the Good Shepherd will still care for them. Very explicitly, the passage promises one to come who will break open the way, and speaks of both the King passing before them and the Lord being at their head. All of these different images find their fulfilment in Jesus. He is the one God sent to gather in the flock, to break open the way before them and to lead them as both king and Lord. Through him we have hope even when confronted with bleak injustice, in our society and even in our own hearts.

Potential Applications

• The passage is a direct confrontation of injustice in society, and should cause us to examine our own hearts. Where is there injustice that we have been complicit in, either because of direct action we have taken or because of systems we have perpetuated, and what can we do to turn from these things?
• We are warned against refusing to hear God’s word where it challenges us. Have we developed a way of only looking to the parts of God’s word that feel nice or easy? How can we make sure we take on board some of the ways God may wish to challenge us?
• The passage ends with hope, pointing us to Jesus, and the sermon should end on a similar note. Lift people’s eyes to the promised one and lead the congregation into gratitude and praise.