Micah: Justice + Mercyنموونە

A Beautiful Bookend

By Gabriella Silva

“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged an oath to our ancestors in days long ago.” Micah 7:18-20 (NIV)

Sometimes the best way to understand the present is to look to the past. The Book of Micah concludes by proclaiming a truth echoed throughout Israel’s history. 

Micah’s words are a declaration of God’s character which were first spoken by God Himself after Israel’s worship of the golden calf (Exodus 32–34). Amid Israel’s blatant unfaithfulness to God, God reveals His distinct nature. God declares to Israel that He is “the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6–7 ESV). Though God’s people had broken the covenant, He would pardon them and remain faithful despite their sin. 

Centuries later, Micah brings a message of hope to a nation facing present chaos and future uncertainty for their sins. God Himself was the only answer to Israel’s trouble and He is still our only answer today. The same God who conquered Pharaoh and cast his armies into the sea is the same God who would tread on our sins and restore us into a rightful relationship with Him. God’s covenant faithfulness is the reason we have hope for the future. Because of His faithfulness, we can also worship in times of trouble.

Micah didn’t see the fulfillment of his words, but we as believers know that God’s promise was realized through Jesus. On the cross, Jesus tread over our sins and defeated its power over us. Though we were deserving of God’s wrath and anger, through Christ, God lavishes us in grace, proving He is the faithful God He has always been. 

Therefore, in light of the cross, we have hope regardless of the turmoil we may see around us. With our eyes on Jesus, we respond to His gift of grace with worship. When we see God for who He is and behold what He has done for us, the only proper response is adoration. As David wrote, “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103:1–4 NIV).

Recalling God’s faithfulness in the past helps to anchor us when our present and future seem obscure. It should also fill us with hope for our present circumstances and that of the world. God is faithful to complete His work, and we can rest in Him for whatever may come. 

Pause: How does reflecting on God’s character shape your perspective of your circumstances and the things happening in our world? 

Practice: Take some time today to reflect on God’s character. Spend some time in worship, praising God for who He is.

Pray: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. I confess I often fall short in my devotion to You, yet You always remain faithful to me. I worship You Lord in the beauty of Your splendor; I am truly in awe of Your grace. Stir my heart in worship of Your perfect character and transform me to be more like You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.