Micah: Justice + MercySample

Corrected But Not Abandoned

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples, like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, that tarry for no man nor wait for the sons of men. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, who, if he passes through, both treads down and tears in pieces, and none can deliver. Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off.”  Micah 5:7–9 (NKJV)

The Book of Micah is a book of correction. In terms of context, it came to the descendants of Jacob at a time of deep disobedience. Injustice had come to define their society, and God was committed to correct this. In terms of content, much of Micah details the divine discipline they would soon experience. We might say that Micah’s mission was to deliver a message everyone needed but nobody wanted!

But, a wonderful thread is woven throughout this correction: the prevailing promise of God to preserve a remnant of His people and to eventually restore and redeem them. That’s what we have at this point in Micah’s prophecy. Yes, there would be correction. The unjust would face judgment—lands, limbs, and even lives would be lost. However, the season of discipline wouldn’t end in total destruction. At the end of the day, a remnant of Jacob would not only prevail but flourish and thrive as a result of God’s supernatural favor. 

Historically, there’s no denying that much of this promise has already been fulfilled. From Pharoah to Hitler, the children of Jacob have been the focus of unparalleled attack. Yet, they have survived each successive wave intended to overcome them. At various points on humanity’s timeline, it looked as though their story would come to an end along with so many other societies. But, according to God’s promise, there was always a remnant preserved to fulfill the plans He has determined for them. Moreover, it’s a promise that’s still being fulfilled today and will continue to be fulfilled even into the last days leading up to Christ’s return (Read Romans 11:25–27 for more on this!).

What about those of us who are Christians, though? Regardless of your race, if you’ve placed your faith in Christ, you’re now part of His Church. You’ve been called out of the world and into a new spiritual body whose head is Christ, Himself. How does Micah’s promise apply to that? 

The principle that clearly translates into the Christian’s life here is God doesn’t abandon us in His correction of us. Just like Jacob’s descendants, we all require the disciple of our heavenly Father. It’s inevitable because we aren’t perfect and because the Father loves us with a perfect love. In fact, the corrective work of God in our lives is actually proof we’re His children (Hebrews 12:6). It’s just as true that He will never abandon us despite the discipline.

Whether you’re in a season of correction or about to enter one, hold onto the promise that the One who lovingly chastens you is also the One who promises to never leave or forsake you! “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV).

Pause: What promise does Micah highlight at this point in his prophecy?

Practice: Consider how this promise translates into your life, personally?

Pray: Father, thank You for never abandoning me, even in times of correction and discipline. Please help me to grow in obedience and intimacy with You. Amen.