Micah the Friend of the Poor

Robe of His Righteousness, courtesy Photobucket

Todays post is being entered at “Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday” Do visit there at: http://www.michellederusha.com/2011/09/hear-it-on-sunday-use-it-on-monday.html  

What I share today is taken from my notes of my Pastor's sermon on Sunday.  Pastor was reading from the Old Testament book of Micah.

The prophet Micah, his name meaning “who is like Yahweh," was a friend to the poor and he was Christ like in that Jesus was also a friend of the poor and of sinners.

Jesus was a champion to the under-dog.  He came to save that which was lost.

Micah’s message was clear: “What does God require? His simple answer was: God requires repentance and righteousness.

Even in that day, there were many who tried to justify themselves by stating that “they were a good person, that they were religious and they had not harmed anyone.

Micah warned the people that their hearts were wicked and they must repent and worship the true God.

“These people have been professing much and performing little. God has been observing the contradiction between creed and conduct,” says the prophet, “and He will not tolerate it anymore. God has had enough!”

The Old Testament Prophets including Micah, used strong words to motivate the people to repent and return to God. Their message exposed, rebuked, warned, challenged, inspired and urged repentance.

Micah did not pull any punches, but in no uncertain terms he pronounced the deadly effect of sin, and how God was willing to forgive if the people would cry out for mercy.

As ministers still do - - Micah also used the Word of God as a mirror to expose the evil of the day, and offer hope of a better tomorrow; if the people would return to their God.

In chapter 5, Micah pointed his finger toward Bethlehem and prophesied that it was to become the place for the birth of Messiah, the Savior.

Paul stated in 2Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Micah’s words of repentance and hope are still valid for today!

Through Jesus we can become free from sin, rich in mercy, and grace, by His forgiveness. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags, but Jesus will clothe us with His Robe of Righteousness.