Fri.’s Devo -Sealed for God

Read: Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6 Micah calls out to the remnant to stay strong against their enemy and not to be eased into sin through their temporary time of prosperity. The enemy was coming and would strike Israel’s leader. From the small unimportant city of Bethlehem would arise a leader who could trace his lineage to the distant past. We know that that distant past was all the way to before creation. Israel would be under control of their enemies until Mary brought forth her son, Jesus. Then they would be spiritually free to return to their own land which means spiritually to their God. Micah continues to tell their fate in the natural as they are delivered from Assyria, but spiritually he is referring to their deliverance from Satan’s hold on them. Jesus would break the power of sin for them and set them free to rule over the strongholds of the earth. In that day, God will destroy every tool of the devil’s and destroy their worship. God brought Israel to his court to question them and to make their own defense of why they left worshipping him to worship other gods. He tells them what they need to do to return to him. They need to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with him. If they are wise they would fear him because the enemy is coming and they have no power to fight him. God was sending their enemy to punish them for their sins which were great. They will live a life of lack and fear. Micah gives a cry from the remnant in vs. 7-10 of chapter 7. Those who wait confidently for God to save them will not be disappointed. They will be given justice and be brought into the light to see God’s righteousness. Israel’s cities will be rebuilt and extended. they will honor the Lord. God responds to their cry saying that all the world will be amazed to see what God will do for them. God will show his love for his faithful ones. In Revelation, John witnesses four angels standing at the corners of the earth holding back the winds. Another angel comes from the earth carrying the seal of the living God. He shouted to the four angels because they had been given power to harm the land and the sea. He tells them to wait and not bring their destruction until he had placed God’s seal on the foreheads of his servants. One hundred, and forty-four thousand were marked - twelve thousand from each tribe. The tribe of Dan was not marked as Dan was the “Judas” tribe that was marked for judgment. Dan means “a judge”. A huge crowd in wine robes stood before the Lamb and the throne waving palm branches and praising God. One of the twenty-four elders asked John who the ones in white robe were and where they came from. When John didn’t know, he told him. These were the ones who came out of great tribulation who had trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ. They would never lack again and the Lamb would be their Shepherd who would heal them and restore their joy. Lord, thank you for your redemptive plan for your people. Teach us to do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with you.