Micah: Justice + MercyParaugs

The Day

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“In the day . . .” Micah 7:11 (NKJV)

There’s something wonderful woven throughout the Bible, and we see its stitching right here. Despite the sobering realities of God’s judgment of man’s sin, including that of His people, there’s a thread of hope securely knotted all the way back in the Book of Genesis and remains unbroken throughout the centuries past, present, and on into the future. It’s the promise of “the day.” 

What day is that? It’s the day distinct from all others when the promise of God’s restoration of this world is finally realized. It’s alluded to as God gives Abraham a glimpse into his progeny’s future, as they dwell in peace and security in the Land of Promise. Didn’t that already happen when Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land? Not fully. If we read carefully, we discover that God’s people never fully inhabited the land God said they would (Genesis 15:18). 

As time goes on, there are many more promises God makes pointing to this future day when the descendants of Abraham will dwell in their land with fullness and security. Bible scholars refer to this day as “The Millennial Kingdom,” and it will commence when Jesus returns to earth a second time to rescue Israel from her enemies and establish a righteous rule for a thousand years. 

That is “the day” in view here, and it’s the ultimate consolation to a nation that was on the brink of invasion and exile. Judgment will come, but it won’t be absolutely final. God points His people to the hope ahead that He has sovereignly secured for them: “In the day when your walls are to be built, in that day the decree shall go far and wide. In that day they shall come to you from Assyria and the fortified cities, from the fortress to the River, from sea to sea, and mountain to mountain. Yet the land shall be desolate because of those who dwell in it, and for the fruit of their deeds” (Micah 7:11–13 NKJV).

Notice how God specifically says those from Assyria will come to Israel in submission as they are summoned. Remember, these were the same people who would soon overtake them. The Lord is basically promising His people even their very worst enemy will pose no threat to them in that day. Can you imagine the comfort this must have given to its audience?

Of course, the principle we’re to take away from this passage is God is always faithful and true to His promises. No matter how bleak things may seem or how obscure an outlook might be, the Word of the Lord will always prove true, and it is something we can all rest our deepest hopes on.

Pause: What is the significance of “the day” here?

Practice: What are we to take away from this? Write down how knowledge of this day affects your life.

Pray: Lord, I ask You to strengthen me where I am weak when it comes to my confidence in You and all You have promised to Your people in Your Word. Amen.