Rev. E. Anderson
IN THE DOCK
Micah 6
Certainly not a very nice place to be in, arraigned on serious charges of misconduct. This was to be the lot of God’s people. A case was being filed against them and the nation would have to answer what they were being charged with. It certainly was not something that Jehovah desired but because He is Judge and Moral Arbiter of His creatures it was right at this time to bring His people to justice, to call it to account for its actions. This was no small law-court but a High Court where God’s people would be faced with divine prosecution.
1/. THERE IS AN ATTESTMENT – vv 1,2
The Lord calls the mountains to stand as a permanent witness to what is happening and invites them to listen to any complaints His people may have to present. Certainly they could have no charge to lay against their covenant God who had been loyal and true throughout. They would be silenced but the Lord had every intention of voicing His mind and for all to hear and assess and bear witness to. He even gives them time and opportunity to object, voice any protest in the proceedings.
2/. THERE IS AN INDICTMENT – vv3-5
The Lord forcefully presents the fact of His faithfulness and integrity to them over all their past history. A number of incidents are stated, mainly their redemption from Egypt, the way He had dealt with opposing forces on their behalf and how He had overturned the intention of Balaam. But what had they done in return? He had clearly taught and told them what His expectations were in a threefold affirmation – v8. “to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Righteousness, kindness and humbleness were the requisites but they had failed on all three counts.
3/. THERE IS A JUDGEMENT – vv6-8
They stood guilty before God and so could not be acquitted. They could not go out of the High Court justified because they had failed in every way. The Lord would not be bought off in any way. No amount of sacrifices could alter His stance. The Lord is not to be bribed by the presentation of gifts no matter how many they be – w6-7. As far as He is concerned it is character before all such and His people had failed the test.
4/. THERE IS A PUNISHMENT – vv9-16
The only thing left open to Him is to sentence and then cause judgement to proceed. The people and land are to be desolated and put through a period of awful loss and sorrow. They have to learn the lesson that they cannot sin with impunity. The inevitable has to occur. All must see that sin does not pay and that God does have to take out measures when nations and individuals go on in a life of evil. Justice has to be satisfied in the end. Others must learn the fact that to defy God and His laws brings its sad consequences.