We cannot treat others terribly and claim God is with us. We are Christians and children of God all the time. We are to be above reproach. We are to act accordingly all the time and when we do, we will be rewarded.
Micah acted accordingly:
“8But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.” – Micah 3:8 (ESV)
Micah’s reward for his righteousness was to bring the transgressions and sins to light. He was given power and the Lord was with him.What about the leaders of the Israel?
“9Hear this, you heads of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who detest justice and make crooked all that is straight, 10who build Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity. 11Its heads give judgement for a bribe; its priests teach for a price; its prophets practice divination for money; yet they lean on the Lord and say, ‘Is not the Lord in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.’” – Micah 3:9-11 (ESV)
See how they toy with God’s love. They use God to “get ahead” and they act as though they are somehow more deeply connected to God. Don’t we see this today? Bribes (either of money or influence) are a way of life in the world and God’s messengers are not exempt. I know that I have seen the influence of money and power in those claiming to be of God (remember the televangelist scandals). Let’s look at their reward for their actions:
“12Therefore because of you Zion shall be plowed as a field; Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the house a wooded height.” – Micah 3:12 (ESV)
We will all get out just rewards. When we toy with the love of God, we have to be prepared for the return on that investment.
Have you toyed with God’s love? What was your immediate reward? Did you, or have you considered your ultimate return on your actions?
Trevor's Thoughts 