Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (Micah 7:18)
Who is a God like you? What an interesting question to ask! Have we ever stopped to ask it? Have we ever wondered exactly what kind of God we are putting out trust in, believing implicitly in, constantly being grateful to, and speaking to in our prayers?
It’s interesting, and many of us actually have not done so. We know a great deal about God through the teachings of the bible, the words of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. But what is God really like? What is the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? We know that God delights in mercy and is forgiving and kind. We know that the love of God surpasses all human expressions and forms of love. Yet, Micah raises an intriguing question. To answer it, it helps to study some historical context.
In Chapter 7, Micah testifies to what the righteous remnant should do in the midst of God’s judgment. They should resolve to pray and look expectantly for the Lord’s deliverance that will be the fruit of His judgment. This is again expressed in Habakkuk 3:1-2.
The conclusion of Micah is a song of victory. It is written from the perspective of God’s city, Jerusalem, and its people as they recover from judgment. It celebrates finding the light of the Lord’s presence after experiencing the darkness. It also celebrates vindication before the nations who have proudly opposed God and anticipated their submission to Him. It acknowledges the justice of God’s dealings with His people and expresses submission to the Lord’s will as confidence in His faithfulness. Finally it rejoices in wonder at the Lord’s compassionate pardon.
We are left with questions, not answers. Perhaps the answers, if some there be, are beyond our comprehension. Even theologians composing concordances have no appreciable answers. Historical context is helpful, yet is inadequate. Suffice it to say, may we, like the Israelites, rejoice in God’s compassion and vindication and submit with confidence to his holy will.
References: The People’s New Testament Commentary by M. Eugene Boring and Fred B. Craddock, The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur and Concise Bible Commentary, David S. Dockery, General Editor.
Columbia Prayer Chain: Friday, February 1
In our prayers: Claudia Strattman, Jennifer Williams, Betty Jo Carson, Gary Davis, Eddie Bolton, Myrna, Esther, Pam James, Doug and Sharon, John Kelchner, Elizabeth Matthews, Nedrick Griffin, Jennifer Handy, Nancy Stuckey, Annemarie Sullivan, Rachel and Randy Wurtzbaugh, Patty Peckham, Denise Byrd, Greg and Lisa Steele, Dean Timothy Jones, Linda Langford, Marty Fritz, Harriet Hancock, Tommy and Robby Palmer, Patty and Ted Mac Laughlin, Janet Long, Bobby Wilson, Debbie and Pat Barry, Betty Jo Sullivan, Patrick and Patricia Barry, Jordan Hill, Doris Clevenger, Charles Sigel, Bob Davis, John Whatley, Nancy Zuckerman, Charles Davis Sr., Bill Carter, Betty Peavy Frick, Joye Cantrell, Fred and Gail, Dale and Norma Sessions, Padge Arrington, Jerry Callahan, Norman Masters
Special prayers for Mary Ellen’s four-year-old grandson, Joseph Patrick, who is fighting cancer
In memoriam: Betty Jean Coleman, Barry Cooper, Janet Smith Speechley Donner, Joyce Ann Hooper, Helen Brantley Allsbrook, Helen Edmund, Kevin W. Fain, Helen Elizabeth Fox, Maryann Grauer, Sue Merchant Matthews, Mary David Price, Vickie Millwood, Jeffrey Donel Nunnery, Frances Elizabeth LaBorde, Earl E. Griffith
Our prayers are with: the elderly, the homeless, all currently fighting illness, all beloved pets, our president and congress, our police officers and firefighters, all who serve in the armed forces
Columbia Prayer Chain is open to all residents of greater Columbia who would like to share prayers and receive the prayers of others. Please leave your name in the comment box or email me.
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