Micah the prophet lived in some very sinful times.
Corruption. Bribery. Proliferation of cults.
Not like the peaceful times of today, right?
So many times I hear from people – good people – who say they get nothing out of the Old Testament and they’d probably be the last to pick up the Book of Micah for a good read.
That’s too bad. Because like in many cases, the times reflected in the pages of the Old Testament are quite similar to the times we have seen before.
You know … ages ago.
Centuries ago.
Years ago.
Weeks ago.
Today.
Our first reading is a good example.
“Hear what the LORD says: Arise, present your plea before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice! Hear, O mountains, the plea of the LORD, pay attention, O foundations of the earth! For the LORD has a plea against his people, and he enters into trial with Israel.”
The people in Micah’s time were rejecting God. If they had newspapers back then, the headlines would have been filled with governments and businesses taking advantage of the poor and defenseless – especially women and children, who were treated quite differently than today.
Well, sort of differently.
I mean, we don’t treat women and children like property … do we?
“O my people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, from the place of slavery I released you; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”
Micah expressed anger at the “priests and prophets” of the day who were abandoning the teachings of the past and “adapting their words” to please their audiences, according to Biblical scholars.
Imagine that. A church or a preacher changing the historical teachings of the faith, just to keep up with society and keep butts in the pews.
Of course, who can blame them? If I had a dime for every time I’ve heard someone tell me they have gone “church shopping” … I mean, how do you shop for a church? Are you looking for a pastor who reflects your version of Truth … or do you actually want THE Truth?
Exactly who is “god” in your life?
“With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow before God most high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with myriad streams of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my crime, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
Micah’s mention of “first-born” is not by accident. The ancient Canaanites were known to conduct human sacrifices – babies … they killed their own babies! – in order to please their cult.
Whew. Glad we don’t do THAT anymore.
Micah was indeed a “prophet of doom.” If men did not change their hearts and their ways, God would unleash severe punishment on them individually and perhaps collectively.
And yet, this “prophet of doom” did not leave his listeners without a way to turn back to God.
“You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
It’s that simple.
Be good.
Do good.
Love.
Be humble.
Put God and others first in your life.
Ever since the fall of man, the world has been an ugly place. But there is good … and the potential for more good. Don’t despair. Don’t ever lose hope.
Peace can be achieved, one converted heart at a time.
