Micah: Justice + MercyНамуна

A Blind Eye

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“The Lord’s voice cries to the city—wisdom shall see Your name: ‘Hear the rod! Who has appointed it? Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the short measure that is an abomination? Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales, and with the bag of deceitful weights? For her rich men are full of violence, her inhabitants have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.’”  Micah 6:9–12 (NKJV) 

In order to properly understand the passage put before us here in Micah, we need a bit of context. The previous verse is arguably the best-known portion of Micah, and perhaps one of the most “New Testament” sections in all the Old Testament. 

As a refresher, this was God’s reminder to His disobedient people that instead of religious pretense, He desired true righteousness in the form of doing what’s just, loving mercy, and walking in humility before Him. In other words, a righteous heart rather than a religious routine. 

I think we’d all say “amen” to that! Who doesn’t agree with God that justice, mercy, and humility far outweigh any amount of religious formality that never truly touches one’s heart? But, this is where context is key as we come to this passage because as wonderful as what comes before it is, we can’t escape what the Lord has to say next. “Hear the rod!” In other words, judgment is coming for those who aren’t walking in His will. 

As God continued, we see He wasn’t going to turn a blind eye to the persistent sins of His people. He’s told them the way to walk, but He was also fully aware of their rebellion and eventually employed His rod of correction. The God of mercy is also the God of justice, and His justice will be expressed through His judgment of His people, Israel and Judah. Sadly, they had turned a blind eye to this aspect of God’s nature.  

Where does that leave us, as New Testament believers in Christ? Although this passage is not directly applicable to us, as we now live well beyond the timeframe of this prophecy and have been brought into a new and better covenant with God through our faith in His Son, there is a principle here that meets us right where we’re at.

Sometimes we can be guilty of camping on the “feel good” aspects of God’s nature. We “amen” the part about His heart for righteousness over the religiosity because, for most of us, that’s very easy to swallow (even if we don’t live it out). But, what’s less comfortable is the equal reality that His mercy is mirrored by His justice, and that often reveals itself in His discipline. He doesn’t do so to be mean, but because it’s only just and right for a loving Father to chasten the ones He loves.

“For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6 (NLT)

That’s a promise to us. Don’t try to confine God to a sentimental box but fully acknowledge the fullness of His character and all of its implications! The God of mercy is also the God of justice. May we know, honor, and obey Him accordingly.

Pause: Why is context important in understanding this part of Micah’s prophecy?

Practice: Consider what application should we draw from all this.

Pray: Father, forgive me for when I turn a blind eye to the fulness of Your character and help me to honor You as You fully deserve. Amen.