Sat.’s Devo - God’s Hope in Judgment

Read: Micah 5:1-7:20; Revelation 7:1-17; Psalm 135:1-21; Proverbs 30:5-6 Micah begins telling the people of Israel to mobilize and prepare for an attack but in the middle of the warning he gives God’s rescue plan. A ruler would come from Bethlehem whose origins are from everlasting. He will come on God’s behalf. Of course, he is talking about Jesus. *** Then he goes right back to telling them their fate at the time. The people of Israel were going to be abandoned to their enemies until Mary gives birth to the Saviour of the world. He will be Israel’s source of peace. God will rescue the remnant from the Assyrians when they invade their land and the remnant will be dispersed throughout the nations. They will be a blessing wherever they end up, *** The day would come when God will destroy Jerusalem and put an end to all their witchcraft and idolatry. This happened when Jerusalem was destroyed and all but a few were taken captive to Egypt and Babylon. *** God called them all to heaven’s court to be tried. His question to them was, “What have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me?” God had brought them out of Egypt and redeemed them from slavery. He had not allowed Balaam to curse them but had blessed them instead. He had done all he knew to teach them his faithfulness. They had tried to please him by offering sacrifices like the pagan did to their gods. But, God showed them what pleased him - it was doing good, loving mercy and walking humbly with him. *** God was sending out his warning on the people of Jerusalem. They had become rich through extortion and violence. Their citizens were so used to lying that their tongues could no longer tell the truth. They refused to repent so God had to judge them. The blessings they had enjoyed were going to turn to lack. They would become an example to the other nations of how God judges sin. It would be a very confusing time when they wouldn’t know who to trust. *** Micah speaks for the righteous when he says that his hope is in the Lord. God is his light and will pick him up if he falls. God will justify him in the presence of his enemies. *** Israel’s cities would one day be rebuilt. God would shepherd his people and be their shelter. He will do for them what he did for his people long ago when he delivered them out of Egypt. He will pardon the guilt of the remnant and forgive their sins. *** John saw the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and sea and saw the angel that stopped them until he could put God’s seal on the foreheads of his servants. He redeemed a vast number from every tribe. *** The scene shifted and John was taken to heaven to see what happened to these people. They died in the tribulation but found salvation to live forever. *** Lord, thank you that it always ends well for your people who choose you. We choose you today in all our doings. Make us aware of your presence and your voice.