“A Message Nobody Wanted To Hear”

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

BIBLE READING: Micah 3

“Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat but declare war against him who puts nothing into their mouths.” (Micah 3.5)

What a difficult task Micah had. He had a message nobody wanted to hear. But worse, he had to “compete” with other prophets saying the exact opposite of him! These people gave the pretense of speaking for God; but really, they said whatever would offer them the most benefit (Micah 3.5).

For this reason, the people responded to Micah like you would imagine: “Be quiet! What you’re saying won’t happen” (Micah 2.6). We might be inclined to do the same with presence of other “prophets” offering a more palatable message. I imagine Micah must have been discouraged by these others, but it did not change his message. He knew it was from God and this empowered him to speak boldly to these people (Micah 3.8).

From our position, it is obvious the actions of the false prophets were unethical. But more importantly they were abhorrent to God. These prophets tainted the work of God’s true prophets and blasphemed his name; and God would bring special judgment them for it (Micah 3.6-7).

A couple of lessons we learn:

1. Don’t just hear what you want to hear. We are less inclined listen those who appear negative. We would rather listen to people who challenge us in ways that sound good to us. Let us heed the warning written to Timothy: “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth… as for you, always be sober-minded” (2 Timothy 4.3-5). Real change starts with an acceptance of reality. A terminal illness won’t go away just because you ignore it. It must be accepted and acted upon. In the same way, we must pay attention to those who challenge our paradigms and call us to change… their words might be lifesaving!
2. Don’t just speak to serve yourself. We are inclined to appease those who work for our interests. As ambassadors for Christ, we have a responsibility to represent him rightly. We must check our passions – our fears, wants, and desires – as we go about our walk of faith. We can easily deviate from God’s message or color our words to stay in the good graces of those around us. Remember what Jesus said: “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6.26).

Let us be bold like Micah and stand on what God says. Let us be humble enough to accept the calling of God and its demands on my life. Let us listen with care, speak with conviction, and live assured that God’s words are sure.

“…Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?” (Micah 2.7b)

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