INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. That We Do Justly
2. That We Love Mercy
3. That We Walk Humbly
Introductory Remarks.
1. Today's lesson will discuss the theme: "What doth God Require?" Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah, and both ministered in the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The name Micah means, "Who is like Jehovah?" The theme of Micah is: “To hear.” A recurring theme unto God's people: “The first of all commandments is to: Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord...There are no other commandments greater than these,” Mark 12:29-31. Isaiah prophesied in the king's court, while Micah humbly spoke unto the ordinary people. Micah, like Amos, prophesied strongly against immorality, social injustices, and the oppression of the poor by the rich and powerful. These seem to be similar sins that now plague our Nation, along with the Coronavirus, COVID-19. Micah was answering the question of the people: “Wherewith shall I come before the LORD?” Micah responded: “He hath shown thee, O man, what is good (righteous), and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:6-8. These are qualities of faith and obedience that God delights in His people. We will notice what God requires and how this Nation has: “fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
2. First, we will observe that God requires that: “we do justly” before Him, our brethren, and our fellow man, regardless of their religious, racial, or economic standing. God has somewhat against Judah and America as well. They were dealing treacherously, dishonestly, and without integrity among each other and with their fellow man. The rich set out to oppress the poor. The merchants defrauded and deceived their customers. And their religious establishment permitted their immorality, injustices, and corrupt practices to go unchecked. Micah was crying out within the land against the people, while Isaiah was accusing: "That the leaders of this people have caused them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed,” Isaiah 9:16. Is there one crying out in this land, to do justly unto all men, that God might be well pleased?
3. Second, we will consider that God requires that: “we love mercy” and show compassion and goodwill unto all men. We are witnessing a time of sickness and death in America; none have seen it since the "flu pandemic of the early 19th century." What is missing during this pandemic is love, mercy, and compassion for those who are sick and dying. This Nation has suffered the loss of over 1.5 million people to the coronavirus, yet not one religious leader has offered a prayer for this Nation. Instead of working together, we had an Administration thwarting the health and welfare of this Nation. The former President was golfing while the Nation was burying its dead in mass graves. He had no national policy, plan, or response to this terrible pandemic. Where was the mercy and compassion for the American people? Why don't our religious leaders speak out against what seems to be a terrible injustice to portions of America's population? Micah cries: “Who is a God like unto thee?” There is none just as the King of Kings, and none so merciful, who pardons “the remnant of His heritage.” And His: “hand is stretch out still to pardon and forgive Judah, and America of all her iniquities,” Isaiah 9:17. For if this Nation: "Should seek the Lord if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though he is not far from every one of us,” Acts 17:27; Isaiah 55:6-11.
4. Lastly, we will investigate what God requires: “We walk humbly before Him.” If there is one sin that magnifies all others in this Nation, it is a sin of pride. One person thinks it is superior to another. When we lift ourselves over others, this is not walking humbly before God. This Nation no longer walks humbly. We once trusted and reverenced God. But now, we walk in arrogance, pride, and divisiveness before God and the world. It is a pride and a haughty spirit that brings all nations to ruins, Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 2:11-12. Other people no longer envy our prosperity and freedom but see us as "a people to be pitied." Like Judah, we have become “an abomination before God,” Proverbs 16:5; Proverbs 16:12. This Nation must repent and turn back unto God, or perish and suffer ruins like Samaria and Jerusalem, in Micah's prophecy. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point of what God requires: “To do justly.”
BODY OF LESSON
I THAT WE DO JUSTLY
A. Micah, the prophet. The name Micah means “who is like Jehovah?” There is none so just as the King of Kings: And yet none so merciful, who pardons, “the remnant of His heritage,” Isaiah 9:17. There is a similarity between the message of Micah and Isaiah. His preaching is vital to America's problems today. Observe--
1. Isaiah prophesied in the king’s court, while Micah humbly spoke to ordinary people. Some preach to a vast audience, a mega institution, while others preach only to a handful of godly people.
2. Whatever our audience, we must charge them to "Hear the word of the Lord." Let it be clear: the assembly size does not sanctify the message. However, the sermon does bless the meeting, whether great or small. Jesus said, "Sanctify them through thy truth, for thy word is truth," John 17:17.
3. The theme of Micah is: “To hear.” It is a recurring theme unto this people: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might,” Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The first commandment is to hear, O, Israel!
4. Moses instructed them: “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” Deuteronomy 10:12. Jesus taught Israel these same commandments. A lawyer inquired about God's commandments.
5. The Lord’s reply: “And Jesus answered him (the lawyer): The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
a. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and entire mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”
b. “And the second is this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandments greater than these.”
c. “And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all thy heart, and with all thy understanding, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
d. “And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst asks him any question,” Mark 12:29-34; Matthew 22:37-40.
e. In this setting, Micah advises the people that God had somewhat against them. They, like their ancestors, had forgotten the commandments of the Lord. And these were they:
a. Fear the Lord.
b. Walk in His ways.
c. Love Him.
d. Serve Him with all their heart and soul and all their might.
e. And to love their neighbor as themselves.
B. The word of the Lord. Micah wrote: “The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be a witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple," Micah 1:1-2. What is it that God had witnessed and needed to convey to His people? Observe--
1. They had forgotten His goodness: “O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me. I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before thee," Micah 6:3-4.
2. They forgot the sins of their ancestors: “O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal: That ye may know the righteousness of the LORD,” Micah 6:5. Hear what Balaam said unto Balak--
a. Balaam’s answer: “And Balaam said unto Balak... saying: If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?” Numbers 24:12-13. We cannot go beyond the commandment of the Lord!
b. Peter wrote: “If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If any man ministers, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen,” 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Peter 2:15-16.
c. Conclusion: What the Lord said: That shall we speak! Now,
3. The people asked of Micah: “Wherewith shall I come before the LORD and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for my soul's sin?” Micah 6:6-7.
a. Solomon wrote: “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice,” Proverbs 21:3.
b. Hosea wrote: “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings,” Hosea 6:6.
c. Jehovah desired mercy rather than sacrifices and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Justice and judgment are more acceptable to the Lord than any of these.
NOTE: Illustrate Samuel’s words to Saul, King of Israel: “Obedience is better than sacrifices,” 1 Samuel 15:22. God requires obedience to all His commandments, not just those we delight in before Him. Remember, “Every sin and disobedience shall receive a just recompense of reward,” Hebrews 2:1-4.
d. Paul summarized it like this: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Do not conform to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.
C. Micah’s mission. Like Amos, Micah prophesied strongly against immorality, social injustices, and the poor's oppression by the rich and mighty. Similar sins and unrighteousness now infect and plague the Nation of America, along with the Coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic. Observe--
1. Micah’s message to the people. His answer: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God,” Micah 6:8.
2. Jehovah not pleased. The LORD, Jehovah, was not happy with burnt offerings and calves a year old. He was not delighted with thousands of rams or ten thousand rivers of oil. Nor would he be pleased with the giving of our firstborn for our transgressions or the fruit of our body for the sin of our souls.
3. He hath told thee, O man. America.
a. God is well pleased when we as a nation do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him, the church, and the world.
b. These are qualities of righteousness that God has long given unto His people.
c. This Nation is not pleasing to God.
d. America has fallen short of its obligations:
1) To love God and keep His commandments.
2) To love its neighbor in the same manner as it loves itself!
3) To do justly unto all men (regardless of race, national origin, color, political affiliation, or religion).
4) To grant mercy unto all men.
5) To walk humbly and sincerely before Him and all men.
4. Saints are directed: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially those of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:9-10; Luke 6:35; Hebrews 13:16.
C. Micah’s answer: to do justly. He wrote: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good (righteous), and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly,” Micah 6:8. The God of heaven has shewed thee, O man, what is right. He hath taught you what He requires of thee. It is this, to do justly unto all, in all things.
1. The word “justly” in Heb. is mishpat or mish·pät', which means to render appropriately a verdict pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree of divine law, including a participant's right or privilege: — to be judged, judgment, just (-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, rightly, or to issue a just sentence.
2. Do justly. Do right unto Him, your brethren, and your fellow man, regardless of their religious, racial, or economic standing, 3 John 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:17-18. America has fallen short in its efforts to: “do justly unto all of the people.”
a. Its long history of “systemic racism” in America, making it unpopular, unlawful, or unfavorable for one race to deal rightly with another, is destroying itself.
b. Its long history of “white silence” during times of injustices, police brutality, social inequities, fraud, and abuses of the weak and helpless. For example, “silence can imply consent.” Observe--
1) Silence is consent when a choice can be made to speak out or take action.
2) Silence is consent when someone chooses to do nothing but to be a bystander.
3) You can't be sure their silence truly means they consent.
4) However, if you are silent about an issue, others may interpret it as “consent.”
c. When "good people" do not practice justice, integrity, and honesty and help their neighbor (fellow man), they FAIL TO "do justly" before God and men (Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-40).
3. Jehovah had something against Judah. They were not dealing honestly and with integrity with each other or with their fellow men.
a. The rich oppressed the poor and weak in the Nation.
b. The merchants defrauded their customers in goods and services.
c. The religious leaders turned their faces away from the sins of immorality, injustices, and corrupt practices, allowing them to continue without rectification.
4. The leaders of the people permitted these injustices. Like the time of Micah, the leaders, and powers to be have hidden their eyes from these systemic evils in America: racial injustice, prejudice, and Hatred for "black and brown people."
a. Micah cried out within the land against the people for their sins and unrighteousness, Micah 1:1-2.
b. Isaiah prophesied against Judah’s king, saying: “That the leaders of these people have caused them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed” Isaiah 9:16.
c. Is there one crying out in this land to do justly, love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love our neighbor as ourselves so that God might be well pleased?
d. Until recently, there has been a deafening silence about America's sins of injustice, brutality, and corruption. George Floyd's blood crieth yet from the ground for “America to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God.”
e. The death of this man cries out to all empowered in America: to treat all men equally under the law and to provide apparent oversight and accountability in all things.
D. Judah’s sins. There are five categories of wickedness and unrighteousness Judah committed in the land and was found guilty before Jehovah. They are 1) Idolatry, 2) violence, 3) injustice, 4) religious error, and 5) merchant corruption. There may be more, but these are the most apparent in his Book. Micah wrote:
1. The people’s idolatry. Micah wrote:
a. First, “For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem?”
b. Further, “Therefore I will make Samaria as a heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.”
c. Next, “And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of a harlot, and they shall return to the hire of a harlot,” Micah 1:5-7.
d. Finally, “For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof a hissing: therefore, ye shall bear the reproach of my people,” Micah 6:16.
e. Interpretation: The transgression of Jacob, the sins of the house of Israel. They are the idols that vex the land of Samaria, Judah, and Jerusalem. Therefore, I will make Samaria a heap of the field. I will beat into (pieces) their graven images; burn them with fire. They shall be desolate and return to the hire of a harlot, for the statutes of Omri are kept. All of Ahab's evil works, ungodliness, and sins are you yet walking in them.
f. Judgment. Hear, O Israel, what Jehovah hath said: “I will make them desolate, and the inhabitants about will pass by them hissing (whistling and mockery), they shall bear the reproach of my people,” Micah 6:16.
2. The violence of the rich and powerful. Micah wrote:
a. First, “Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it because it is in their hand's power. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so, they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage (inheritance, birthright),” Malachi 3:5; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Jeremiah 22:13; James 5:1-6.
b. Further, “Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family, do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil,” Micah 2:1-3. You shall not go into captivity elated, with pride or haughtily, but in shame and disgrace.
c. Next, “For the rich men are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.”
d. Finally, “Therefore, I shall make thee sick in smiting you! I will make thee (you) desolate because of thy (your) sins. Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied, and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee, and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver, and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword. Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap: thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink (of the) wine,” Micah 6:12-15; Proverbs 19:5.
e. Interpretation: Woe unto you that spend the night devising iniquities and evil work upon your beds. When morning comes, you put thine wickedness into practice because you are rich and powerful and perceive that no one can stop you from committing your evil. You covet a field and take it with violence. You have removed families from their homes, even ones that have been theirs for generations. You are full of violence, threats, and murder. You speak lies, and your tongue is full of deceit. Therefore, I will smite thee and cause you to be desolate because of your sins. Observe--
1) Thou shalt eat but not be satisfied.
2) That which you have shall be cast down in the midst of thee.
3) That which you shall take hold (buy) shalt not be delivered.
4) That which has been deliverest, will I give up to the sword.
5) Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap.
6) Thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with oil.
7) Thou shalt tread sweet wine but not drink of it.
f. Judgment. Hear, O Israel, what Jehovah hath said: “Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family, do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily (but in shame): for this time is evil,” Micah 2:3. Jehovah will place His knee upon our necks, for our sins.
NOTE: Illustrate Knee Upon His Neck: George Floyd, four white police officers.
3. Heads of Jacob and princes. Micah wrote: “And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel:”
a. First, “Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hates the good and loves the evil... Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob and princes of the house of Israel, who abhor judgment and pervert all equity. They build up Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity.”
b. Further, “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? No evil can come upon us.”
c. Finally, “Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest,” Micah 3:1-2; Micah 3:9-12.
d. Interpretation: You heads of Jacob and princes, is it not for you to know judgment? You hate good but love evil. Hear what I propose for the house of Jacob and her princes: that abhor judgment and pervert all equity. Hear Jehovah:
1) You head (Jacob and princes) thereof judge for reward (payment), Micah 3:11; Ezekiel 22:27; Isaiah 1:23.
2) The priests thereof teach for hire (they are bought), Exodus 23:6-9. They have partially executed the law, Malachi 2:7-9; Deuteronomy 1:17.
3) The prophets thereof divine (claim to speak divinely) for money, Jeremiah 14:14-15; Jeremiah 23:14-15.
4) Yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say: Is not the LORD among us? No evil can come upon us. There is no security and safety in unrighteousness.
e. Judgment. Hear, O Israel, what Jehovah hath said: “Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.” He will make Jerusalem desolate and abandon it before the nations. It is an abomination unto God, and sin causes any Nation to become an abomination unto God.
4. Prophets and seers. Micah wrote: “Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry Peace; and he that putteth, not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.”
a. First, “Therefore night shall be unto you that ye shall not have a vision, and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.”
b. Further, “Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.”
c. Finally, “But truly I (Micah) am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin,” Micah 3:5-8.
d. Interpretation: Thus, saith the LORD concerning the prophets who cause my people error, who bite and devour them. They speak and assure you that there shall be peace and freedom. However, there is no peace within their mouths or words; they are now preparing for war against you. They seek to destroy, not to build.
e. Judgment. Hear, O Israel, what Jehovah hath said: Therefore, night shall be unto them, in their lack of visions; and it shall be dark, having no more divine messages. The sun shall go down over the prophets, and their days shall be dark, Jeremiah 29:10; Ezekiel 13:22-23; 1 Samuel 3:1. They shall seek a sign and find none. They will look for a word of Jehovah yet hear none.
5. The merchant’s corruption. Micah wrote: “The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked and the abominable scant measure? Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances and the bag of deceitful weights?” Micah 6:9-11; Proverbs 20:23.
a. The man of wisdom shall see thy name, hear ye the rod, and appointed it for these people.
b. Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked? And the scant measure that is abominable?
c. Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances? Proverbs 20:10.
d. When are their bags of balance full of deceit in their hands? Hosea 12:7.
e. Interpretation: Shall not the man of wisdom, when he hears of my name, witness my rod of judgment, know that I have appointed it? Shall he not see that I, Jehovah, have done these things? Should I overlook the treasures of wickedness that fill the houses and markets of trade? Is not the scantiness of their measure still an abomination? Shall I count them pure that rob and swindle my people? Shall I accept the merchant’s use of unbalanced bags to weigh in their exchanges? These are all rhetorical questions.
f. Judgment. Hear, O Israel, what Jehovah hath said: Can I, the God of holiness and righteousness, allow the merchants to cheat my people in goods and services? Shall I consider them pure in their works? Is there a message for America? Let’s consider an application for Micah’s words today!
E. America’s sins. What are America's sins? How is Micah's message applicable to us today? Here are those same sins being perpetrated on God's people today. Observe--
1. False religions and covetousness. Can we call the Nation’s religious groups pure that ignore the persecution and evil being inflicted upon some of its people? Are such groups doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God? Jesus called such people hypocrites, vain worshippers, and teachers for the doctrine of the commandments of men, just like in Micah’s days. Jesus spoke against the Pharisees (religious leaders) of His time. Consider--
a. Their unrighteousness: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying: These people draweth nigh unto me...But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-13.
1) They speak from God’s word and honor Him with their lips, Ezekiel 33:31.
2) But their hearts are far from Him, Isaiah 29:13; Acts 28:25-28.
3) They vainly worship Him, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men, Acts 28:25-27.
4) They are men-pleasers; they see the favor of men rather than God, John 5:44.
5) They are hearers of the word but not doers of God's work, James 1:21-27.
a) Micah wrote: “The heads (kings, prophets and priests) thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? No evil can come upon us,” Micah 3:11.
i. They judge for reward (bribes) and teach for hire (paid for their false teaching).
ii. They speak claiming their messages are divinely given unto them, but they speak for (payment) money. They all dealeth falsely, Jeremiah 6:13.
iii. Their judicial rulings and messages are bought, but they are not the righteous judgments God desired (Jeremiah 27:14-15; Jeremiah 28:15-16).
iv. The people “love to have it that way” Jeremiah 5:30-31. This is the greatest evil. They are no longer standing in the way of truth or asking for the old paths, Jeremiah 6:16.
v. Evangelicals have sold out for the former president, having denied Jesus Christ! Luke 12:8-9. They have compromised their message of Christ for financial gain and political favors. They have made secret packs: “With principalities, and with powers, and with the rulers of the darkness of this world, and with spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.
NOTE: See our lesson, “I must need go through Samaria,” on SermonCentral.com. I speak of these compromises in great length.
b) Isaiah wrote: “Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day. The ancient and honorable (kings and princes) are the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and they are led of them are destroyed,” Isaiah 9:14-16. They all shall be destroyed, the head, the tail, and all workers of wickedness.
b. Their ungodly examples: “But Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye that are entering to go in,” Matthew 23:13.
1) You speak of righteousness and the kingdom of God.
2) But you practice ungodliness, contempt for good, lovers of evil, more than lovers of God. Paul wrote: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate,” Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:6.
3) Therefore, your examples turn away those seeking God's kingdom.
4) You neither go in yourselves nor suffer those entering to go in.
c. Their pretense and prayers: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation,” Matthew 23:14.
1) Prayers in the marketplace, to be seen of men, Matthew 6:5-6.
2) Pray in your closet to God, that He might reward thee openly.
3) Prayers of the Pharisees, Luke 18:9-14. Two self-righteous worshippers, the other crying for "the mercy of God."
d. Their discipleship: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte (disciple), and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves,” Matthew 23:15.
1) You comb the earth far and wide to find and make one disciple.
2) When you are finished, they are twofold more child of hell than yourselves.
3) Your conversion methods make children of the evil one, just like yourself.
4) Evil begets evil, while righteousness begets righteousness.
e. Their tithe and the law: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these things ye ought to have done, and not to leave the other undone,” Matthew 23:23.
1) They gave the tithe of mint, anise, and cummin (these they kept).
2) But they omitted the weightier matters of the law: judgment, mercy, and faith.
3) You should have done these and not left the other undone, James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:17-18.
4) These were all ceremonial and not service to humanity. God didn't need their tithes, but His people needed justice, mercy, and faithful service.
5) These were the same sins of Israel and Jerusalem, which Micah preached against. As their judgment was captivity, what shall ours be in the end?
f. Their final judgment: “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33. Jesus called them serpents and vipers and asked, “Is it possible that you shall escape the damnation of hell?” America’s religious leaders: How can they escape the damnation of hell? Here’s why!
1) They see wrong and do not attempt to make it right.
2) They become allies with politicians and presidents for favors and deny God.
3) They witness injustice, false imprisonment, and police brutality but remain silent.
4) They seek the honor of men and dismiss the recognition that comes from God alone, John 5:44; Matthew 23:5.
5) Micah wrote: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? No evil can come upon us,” Micah 3:11; Amos 9:10.
6) Paul wrote: “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision (the religious class): Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake (dirty money),” Titus 1:10-11; Philippians 3:2-3; Galatians 6:15-16.
2. Rich and powerful men. Let's turn our attention now to America's rich and powerful men. They have corrupted the government's system, stolen from the American people, and done irreparable harm to the Nation’s financial stability.
a. The Republican Senate has given tax breaks and corporate bailouts to America's rich and powerful, but it has also voted against healthcare for all Americans. Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will pay for the budget deficit created by this Republican White House and Senate.
b. They seek to end Social Security benefits and Medicare and overturn the ACA Health Coverage. We cannot allow this to happen. The Coronavirus pandemic has shown all Americans how corrupt and dysfunctional this Administration, Congress, and the Courts have become in their governing and judgment in America.
c. They seek to commercialize the United States Post Office, the most profitable company in America. Why? Wall Street wants its hands on its Retirement Program funds set aside for its workers and their families.
d. These are all wicked and ungodly men, full of corruption and greedy intentions. They now occupy the Republican Senate and the White House. They choose wickedness and mischief because doing so is in their hands. Observe--
1) Micah wrote: “That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up (make the deal),” Micah 7:3.
2) Isaiah wrote of their wickedness:
a) His watchmen: “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber,” Isaiah 56:10.
b) His leaders: “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough... they all look to their way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter,” Isaiah 56:11-12; Jeremiah 22:17.
c) Come you, say they: “I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink, and tomorrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant(ly),” Isaiah 56:12.
3. President, Congress, and the Courts. We are living in “Perilous Times.” Paul wrote of them: “This also knows that in the last days, perilous times shall come. Men shall be lovers of their selves...proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers... despisers of those that are good...Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Observe--
a. First, a constant and egregious force exists at work in America today. The recent Administration has brought it about. Some or all of Paul's words speak to this Administration's ills. And some have aligned themselves with his work and disgraceful behavior. I'm ashamed to mention these in this love, faith, and obedience lesson.
b. Further, we have a corrupt and dishonest Republican Party in Congress, led by Mitch McConnell. He has been complicit and continues to contribute to this evil by turning his head to the former President's appalling behavior. He has betrayed his "oath of office" before God and men. And so has his caucus, saving one, "Mitt Romney."
1) This man should stand up against this Administration.
2) This is the time that all good men stand up and be heard!
c. Finally, it has not escaped the courts either. The Supreme Court recently ruled unjustly, putting the American people in danger of being "in bed" with this Administration. McConnell has stacked the courts to ensure this type of partisan behavior becomes the norm in the judicial system of the lower federal courts. Big money has bought the Federal Courts through Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate.
d. Conclusion: Paul wrote: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.
1) All are being guided by greed, covetousness, and unrighteousness.
2) They now spurned the integrity and reverence of their offices’ for “greedy lucre’s sake,” Titus 1:10-11.
4. Religious leaders and ministers. To begin our discussion of religious leaders and ministers across the Nation, let's hear first from Solomon: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” Proverbs 14:34. Observe--
a. The Nation's religious leaders, evangelists, and ministers have also partnered with the Administration’s corrupted and decadent behavior. Evangelicals have sided with this Administration to obtain political favors from the former President.
b. They have abandoned their creed: “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God,” Micah 6:8.
c. These religious leaders have all disavowed their love of God, for Christ and His Word, and have chosen instead to hate: “their fellow man,” in stark contrast with the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom they claim to love, serve, and represent.
d. But you say, “How have I behaved in such a fashion?” You now sit silently while the Nation's youth march from the White House to the outhouse for righteousness, justice, and accountability!
1) These are the very messages they ought to proclaim to the Nation and the world from their pulpits.
2) Ministers, what is your word from the Lord? How many prayers have you led for the healing of this Nation?
3) Who have you called upon in your circles of influence for change? You have remained silent in your messages and prayers.
4) I pray God gives you the courage to speak out!
5. Big business and banking.
a. This Administration has thwarted and undermined the Nation's recovery from this terrible virus by signing Executive Orders and threatening vulnerable workers back to their jobs. Governors have threatened them with reprisals if they failed to return to their infected work environments. The employers were not directed even to provide masks, face shields, etc., to protect the workers from the deadly virus. They have failed to ensure the health and safety of their workers.
1) It has presented plans and procedures for a safe reopening of businesses and recreational areas but has not enforced compliance with these directives on a national level.
2) It has silenced the health briefings from the Center for Disease Control and promoted medications that promise treatment and as an antidote to this virus.
3) It has rejected the caution and advisory by our Nation's top health officials that these medications have no proven efficacy against COVID-19.
b. Recently, congress passed a budget to support big businesses during this pandemic. Its goal was to keep all its employees on the payroll to lessen the burden on the Nation’s Workers' Unemployment Payments.
1) The success of this bill has not yet been determined. We will have to wait and see if the Nation’s businesses and banking will keep Americans employed and in their homes during this time of significant unemployment.
2) Big business and banking were bailed out in 2008-2009. I trust they will do the same for American workers. The next point in this lesson is "To love mercy."
II THAT WE LOVE MERCY
A. Micah wrote: “Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy,” Micah 7:18. Jehovah is a God of mercy.
Micah states the second thing God requires is to be lovers of mercy and kindness. Observe--
1. The word “mercy” in Heb., is checed or the ·sed, which means kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; or (subjectively) beauty: —favor, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful, mercy, or to show pity.
2. God is merciful to all. David wrote:
a. First, “But I am like a green olive tree in God's house: I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever,” Psalms 52:8.
b. Further, “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation,” Psalms 13:5; Psalms 85:7.
c. Next, “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy,” Psalms 33:18; Psalms 147:11.
d. Additionally, “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works,” Psalms 145:8-9; Psalms 33:4.
e. Finally, “For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations,” Psalms 100:5.
3. Jesus, our merciful High Priest. Paul wrote:
a. First, “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things about God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people: for in that he hath suffered being tempted, he can succor them that are tempted,” Hebrews 2:17-18.
b. Further, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like we are yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:1-2.
c. Finally, “And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly,” Hebrews 9:5.
1) Christ is our mercy seat. Our sins are forgiven in Him, and in our walk with Him, they are continually cleansed 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:7-10; 1 John 2:1-2.
2) Christ is our Passover, 1 Corinthians 5:7.
3) Christ is our righteousness, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.
4) Christ is our hope of glory, Colossians 1:27.
4. Christians must be merciful to all men. God requires that His people show mercy toward their brother and their neighbor.
a. Jesus said: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy,” Matthew 5:7.
b. David wrote: “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth,” Psalms 37:21.
c. Solomon wrote: “He that despiseth his neighbor sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he,” Proverbs 14:21.
d. Paul wrote: “He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness,” Romans 12:8.
5. The unmerciful shall likewise be judged. James wrote: “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment,” James 2:13; James 3:17-18; James 5:10-11.
B. To love mercy. God requires that "we love mercy” and show compassion and goodwill unto all men. We are witnessing a time of sickness and death in America, which many have not seen since the "flu pandemic of early 1900." The mercy and compassion from our leadership to all people across the Nation is missing during this pandemic.
1. This Nation has suffered the loss of over 1.5 million people to the coronavirus, yet not one religious leader has offered prayers for these families or the Nation.
2. Instead of working together with governors and taking the lead for this pandemic, this former President
has demonstrated a "hands-off approach" to governing.
3. Is there a federal response to this pandemic? Is there currently a national response team in place? If so, where are they?
4. Religious leaders. Where are the voices of our religious leaders? Why are they so silent?
5. We expect politicians to be silent during injustices. They are most likely a party to it and seeking to profit from it. They create laws and appoint men to forgive them of the crimes they plan to commit upon the nation. But God will hold all leaders responsible. And judge them according to their works. Notice--
a. David wrote:
1) First, “Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work,” Psalms 62:12.
2) Second, “Seeing thou hatest instruction, castest my words behind thee. When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him and hast been partaker with adulterers. Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine mother's son. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such (as) one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes,” Psalms 50:17-21. I will set thy house in order!
3) Finally, When the wicked no longer accept instruction and cast the word of God behind their backs. They become partakers of their evil deeds when they see the thief stealing and consenting to him. When the wicked speaketh lies, and frameth deceit, and speakest against his brother to slander him. They do it because they think everyone is like them and sanction their actions. Observe--
a) One, “These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such (as) one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes,” Psalms 50:21; Zephaniah 3:5.
2) Second, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good,” Proverbs 15:3, Proverbs 5:21, and Job 34:21-22.
a) Nothing hid from Him, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do,” Hebrews 4:13; Job 26:6; Psalms 139:11-12.
b) An all-seeing eye: “Can any hide (them) self in secret places that I shall not see him? Saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? Saith the LORD,” Jeremiah 23:24; Psalms 44:21; Jeremiah 16:17.
3) Third, “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in (times of) famine,” Psalms 33:18; Psalms 147:11; Psalms 13:5.
b. Solomon wrote:
1) First, “Many will entreat the favor of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts,” Proverbs 19:6; Amos 5:12.
2) Further, “Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD,” Proverbs 29:26.
3) Finally, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is (an) abomination to the wicked,” Proverbs 29:27; Psalms 26:9-12.
4) Interpretation. Many will seek favors from the rich and powerful because they gave gifts to them. They return favors unto them for money, prestige, and power. They will ask favors of the Congress, the Courts, and the President: but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord. The unjust man is an abomination to the just and righteous. And the upright man and his walk is an abomination to the evil, corrupt, and wicked. There is a conflict between "good and evil," just as in Jeremiah and Micah's times. But God shall judge all men according to the “fruit of his doings,” Jeremiah 32:19.
c. Hosea wrote: “They make the king glad about their wickedness, and the princes with their lies,” Hosea 7:3; Mark 14:10-11.
d. Paul wrote:
1) All shall be judged: “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel,” Romans 2:16; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
2) All that worketh wickedness and unrighteousness, Romans 1:28-31. None is righteous, no, not one, Romans 3:10. There is none without sin in their lives, Romans 3:23; Proverbs 20:9. He continued,
3) “Who knowing the judgment of God:”
a) First, “They which commit such things are worthy of death.”
b) Further, “That not only those who do the same.”
c) Next, “But, those who have pleasure in them that do them,” Romans 1:32.
d) Finally, “Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord: For it is a shame even to speak of those things done of them in secret. But all things reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light,” Ephesians 5:10-13; Hosea 6:5.
4) The judgment of God according to the truth: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things,” Romans 2:1-3; Hebrews 9:27.
5) Some might ask: “Who are you to judge other religious leaders?” I humbly reply unto these in this fashion: “I judge you not, but I am:”
a) A fruit inspector. I am merely observing your fruit even as the Master warned!
b) Jesus said: “Beware of false prophets that come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits...Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit...wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 2:1-3.
c) Jesus again: “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known by (its) own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather them grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh,” Luke 6:43-45.
d) James wrote: “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either (from) a vine or bear figs? So can no fountain yield salt water and fresh,” James 3:12.
e. Interpretation. All who sin and do iniquities shall give an account of themselves unto God. All men sin and are worthy of death. And those who have any company with, are complicit in or have pleasure in them who do wickedness shall also be judged like God judges the secrets of all men's hearts. The people Micah describes in his preaching are not men of integrity and honesty, just in their dealings; they are incapable of showing mercy to anyone.
1) Therefore, their judgment before God will be without mercy.
2) Do not be deceived: “For whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap,” Galatians 6:7 states.
3) There is: “No respect of persons with God,” Romans 2:11; Deuteronomy 10:17.
C. Givers of mercy. We must be givers of compassion and recipients of kindness.
1. Jesus said: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy,” Matthew 5:7.
2. What does God require? Micah answers: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8.
3. David wrote, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth,” Psalms 86:15; Psalms 100:5. David wrote much of God’s mercy to all Israel and the people of God.
4. Solomon wrote: "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor," Proverbs 21:21. The wise man wrote of a kind of mercy given unto all and returned to them with God’s graciousness.
5. Paul wrote: "For as we have many members in one body and all members do not have the same office... Having gifts differs according to the grace that is given to us. Whether prophecy...Or ministry...Or he that teacheth...Or he that exhorteth...He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation...Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love... continuing instantly (ly) in prayer. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality,” Romans 12:4-13; Hebrews 13:1-2.
D. Nation void of mercy. Micah spoke of the terrible injustice of his time. Amos wrote of a people void of mercy and kindness in their dealings with others. This lack of mercy and compassion was seen at all levels of their society. There is no difference today from what we see in this nation. Observe--
1. The former Administration did not show any mercy for the sick and dying across America from the Coronavirus –(COVID-19) pandemic.
2. It has no national policy or plan for responding to and recovering from this pandemic. If the Nation fails to plan, then it plans to fail. There is no National Plan; therefore, the management of this pandemic has failed on a National and Global level.
3. No vision for the Nation’s recovery. Governors have been left to respond to this pandemic without national leadership. Observe--
a. Solomon wrote: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he,” Proverbs 29:18. Thousands are perishing because there is no vision, no plan for the nation’s protection, and no heart of mercy for the thousands perishing.
b. Hosea wrote: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children,” Hosea 4:6.
1) The former president has rejected all guidance and cautions from the nation's leading health officials in managing this pandemic.
2) In doing this, he has increased the death rates of vulnerable Americans across the Nation. The communities of "black and brown people" have been impacted the most by these avoidable blunders.
3) We are witnessing what a proud and arrogant heart will devise: evil and that continually.
4) Therefore, even the Presidents, kings, and dictators shall give God an account of their actions.
5) The blood of many Americans has been poured out upon his hands.
4. A famine in the land. Amos wrote: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it,” Amos 8:11-12; 1 Samuel 3:1.
a. Not a famine for just bread. Not a thirst for just water.
b. But a thirst for hearing the words of the Lord.
c. We shall run to and fro and shall not find it.
d. A word from the Lord.
5. A love for mercy. Where has America’s love for humanity gone? Where is the kindness and compassion for the families of those who have lost loved ones in this pandemic?
a. Micah still cries: “Who is a God like unto thee?” There is none just as the King of Kings, and none so merciful, who pardons “the remnant of His heritage.” And Jehovah’s “hands are stretched out still” to pardon and forgive Judah and America for all her sins and iniquities, Isaiah 9:17.
b. Much of our suffering and hardship are brought upon us because of our sins, just like Israel and Judah.
c. But there was hope for Judah, even in captivity and suffering. There is also hope for America! Our hope is in God!
1) Hope in God. David wrote: “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:...That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God,” Psalms 78:5-8; Psalms 146:5.
2) Hope not in men. David again: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes,” Psalms 118:8-9; Psalms 146:3. We cannot put our hope or confidence in men, in princes, nor the President.
3) Once without hope. Paul wrote: “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ,” Ephesians 2:11-13. This is a time to seek the Lord!
4) A nation of hope. Peter wrote: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy,” 1 Peter 2:9-10. As a nation, we must show mercy because we have received mercy from God.
d. Conclusion: Amidst these great evils, there was hope for the people Micah cried out for unto God. America, there is also hope for us. In times of trial, amidst the conflict of our faith, during this terrible pandemic, or personal suffering, our trust and confidence must be in God. Presidents will come and go; congresses will convene and adjourn, but God is ever with us.
1) Isaiah wrote of Him: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness,” Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5-6.
2) Paul wrote, “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31; Psalms 124:8.
3) Put your hope and trust in God, Proverbs 3:5-10.
4) As a nation, we shall get through this pandemic with God's help and love.
E. Hope for God’s people. These are trying times in which we presently live. Micah spoke of hope and restoration to give assurance and comfort to God’s people. These people would be surely punished, but God would not forever abandon them. He chose Micah to speak to them of hope during their trial. I speak of such now unto America in this lesson. Observe--
1. A remnant will return. Micah wrote: “Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel,” Micah 5:3.
a. Jehovah did judge His people for their sins.
b. They were taken into captivity by Babylon, as He promised.
c. God will pardon His reserve, a remnant, to return to Jerusalem, Joel 3:1; Isaiah 1:9; Jeremiah 50:20. God’s elect shall be carried safely through this storm.
d. Know this, America: We shall be judged but not abandoned. God’s righteousness requires that rebellious and disobedient people be judged.
2. Ezekiel’s promised comfort: “For thus saith the Lord GOD:”
a. First, “How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, the famine, the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?”
b. Further, “Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.”
c. Finally, “And they shall comfort you when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done (this) without cause, all that I have done (unto this people) in it, saith the Lord GOD,” Ezekiel 14:21-23.
d. Conclusion: Jehovah promises comfort to the prophet. What he now witnesses are the terrible suffering and pain that Jehovah has brought upon them for their sins. Yet He promised them, and Ezekiel hoped in the remnant he would raise from among them. In them shall Ezekiel find comfort when he sees them walk in the ways of the Lord: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God.
3. Jeremiah’s promised return. Jehovah said: “And I will cause Judah's captivity and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at first," Jeremiah 33:7. Observe--
a. All these promises were fulfilled in 597 BCE by the King of Babylon.
b. The King of Persia allowed a remnant to return to Jerusalem and rebuild in 520 BCE. For more information, see Wikipedia, “Babylonian Captivity.”
c. Jehovah prepared a remnant of His people to return to Jerusalem.
d. Jehovah is a God of mercy, pardon, and restoration.
4. Amos wrote of their return: “And I will bring the captivity of my people of Israel again, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them,” Amos 9:14-15. I will plant them again upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up. Jehovah shall return them, restore them, and sustain them!
5. Zephaniah wrote of the Lord’s visit: “And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity,” Zephaniah 2:7; Zephaniah 3:20.
6. Interpretation: Jehovah's wrath and punishment do not last forever. Micah wrote: "Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again and have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old,” Micah 7:18-20; Psalms 32:1; Acts 3:22-26; Romans 4:6-8. We will speak more about this at the end of the lesson.
NOTE: For a more exhaustive study of Israel’s captivity and return, see our lesson entitled: Does the Church Need a Revival? Download it from SermonCentral.com.
Our last point in this lesson is “to walk humbly before God.”
III THAT WE WALK HUMBLY
A. To walk humbly. Micah now instructs us: “to walk humbly before God.” This is the final directive Jehovah had given unto His people. Micah now directs us to the relationship that God favors with His people. If God’s people humble themselves and obey His commandments and statutes, they are said: “to walk with Him.” Observe--
1. The word “walk” in Hebrew is yalak or yä·lak', which means going, walking, or coming. And the word "humbly" in Hebrew is tsana` or tsä· nah', which means to be humble, modest, or lowly, to show humility. Therefore, it means to walk in humility before God and men.
a. Micah wrote: “O thou that art named the house of Jacob: is the Spirit of the LORD straitened? Are these his doings? Do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?” Micah 2:7; Proverbs 28:18.
b. The prophet Hosea wrote, “Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the LORD's ways are right, and they shall walk in them, but the transgressors shall fall therein,” Hosea 14:9. Hosea wrote, “The ways of the Lord are right, and they just walk in them.”
c. Jeremiah inscribed: “Thus saith the LORD, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is a good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said we are not walking therein,” Jeremiah 6:16.
2. The Patriarchs walked with God. The patriarch walked with God. They obeyed Him in all His commandments. They walk in faith and obedience. America, where is our hope and obedience unto God? Observe--
a. Enoch walked with God, Genesis 5:22-24. God was well pleased in Enoch’s walk of faith, Hebrews 11:5.
b. Noah walked with God, Genesis 6:9. God found favor in him (Genesis 6:8). Because of Noah’s faith and obedience, God saved him and his house from the flood, Genesis 7:7; Genesis 7:16; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20-21.
c. Abraham walked as a Friend of God, James 2:21-23. Abraham obeyed the voice of the Lord, Genesis 22:1-19; Psalms 105:6; Isaiah 41:8; Hebrews 11:17-19.
d. Conclusion: We have witnessed God's message, seen and obeyed by those that have gone before us in scripture and life. If we are to enjoy God's blessings and promises, we cannot do it without true faith and obedience to Him.
1) Hebrews, chapter 11: is the “roll call” of the faithful.
2) As I mentioned, all are named in this roll call of faith!
B. God delights in humility. What does He require? He requires that we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him. God delights in a humble and contrite heart. Those who walk before Him in humility shall be blessed.
1. David wrote: “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit,” Psalms 34:18; Psalms 51:17.
2. Isaiah penned: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones,” Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 66:2.
In the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount--
3. Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek ones, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful ones, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure ones in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’s sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men shall revile you, persecute you, and falsely say all evil against you for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets before you,” Matthew 5:3-12.
4. Walk in humility. The Lord wants us to walk in humility and faithful obedience. He has shewed thee, O man, what God requires. It is this: “That we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God,” Micah 6:8.
a. Solomon wrote:
1) First, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 11:2.
2) Second, “Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility,” Proverbs 18:12.
3) Third, “A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit,” Proverbs 29:23.
b. Jesus said: “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted,” Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14; Matthew 23:12.
c. James wrote: “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble,” James 4:6; James 4:10.
d. Peter wrote: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud and give grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may exalt you in due time,” 1 Peter 5:5-6.
e. Conclusion: What does God require? Walk humbly before God. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. If you desire to be lifted, be willing to sit and walk in lowliness before God and men. The proud and arrogant shall be brought low, and their “buttocks uncovered, to the shame of the world,” Isaiah 20:4. And they shall indeed be destroyed, Job 11:20.
C. Are we walking in humility before the Lord? Are we the servants of the Lord?
1. Jesus taught--
a. First, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad,” Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23. On which side are you standing?
b. Further, “No man can serve two masters: either he will hate the one, and love the other, or he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money),” Matthew 6:24.
c. Finally, “And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him: Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us,” Luke 9:49-50.
d. Conclusion: Are we scattering rather than gathering for the Lord? We cannot serve men and the Lord when their work is contrary to the will of God. There are many in this movement: “Black Lives Matter,” that are not of any faith. But the Lord is not against the good that they are doing for this Nation. Just like His allowing others to cast out devils in His name. Where did the Lord send out these men? Were they from another 70, which Jesus had sent out? See Luke 10:1-2. Consider--
1) The word “other or another” in Gr., is heteros or he'-te-ros, which means of (an-, the) other or different: —altered, one, (an-) other, or another. Could this sending be another 70 disciples?
2) Notice the wording: “After these things, the Lord appointed other (or another) seventy also,” Luke 10:1.
a) Might Luke mean that He had appointed another 70 earlier, which the Holy Ghost did not mention in his gospel?
b) Hear John’s at the ending of his gospel: “This is the disciple who testifieth of these things, and wrote...And there are also many other (allos) things that Jesus did, which, if they should be written to everyone, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen,” John 21:24-25.
c) All the miracles and works of Jesus have not been written in this Book (the Bible), John 20:30-31.
d) All his miracles and works do not appear in all the gospels.
e) They are not mentioned similarly in the Harmony of the Gospels.
3) Paul’s use of the word (heteros). In the Book of Galatians, he wrote: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another (heteros) gospel: Which is not another (allos); but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ,” Galatians 1:6-7.
4) Brother B. W. Johnson commented on these disciples casting out devils in Jesus' name. Consider his comments on Luke 9:49-50.
a) He wrote: “John answered him...we saw one...empowered to cast out devils (Matt. 10:8). He must have been a disciple of Christ, who was enabled by his faith, yet without a commission, to cure the possessed—Abbott.”
b) “Casting out devils in thy name...not in a wrong spirit, as did the Jewish exorcists (Acts 19:13, 14) ...Such workers as this man believed in him, or they would not have used his name. He followeth not us...Forbid him not.”
c) “He (Jesus) neither praises nor blames him for following an independent course and not working with (His) disciples. He declares...he must not be forbidden, and that those who work the same kind of work...we regard, not as enemies, but allies.”
d) “Thousands have spent their lives copying John's mistake in every period of church history. They have labored to stop every man who will not work for Christ in their way. —Ryle,” Page 160. (Rewritten in active voice). See also Mark 9:38-40; Matthew 10:8.
e) Conclusion: I welcome the alleged healers of our times to visit the hospitals, nursing homes, and funerals, heal the sick and diseased, and raise the dead. I would allow them. I would welcome them. This is Jesus' point: forbid them from doing so if they are genuinely doing good. If he does not send them, they will be judged for their wickedness and deceit on the last day. Notice--
2. John wrote: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us," 1 John 2:19.
3. Conclusion: Brother Johnson said what the Lord said about these disciples, which cast out devils in His name. If they were of the “first seventy” sent, which I believe the language in Greek suggests, they were disciples of Jesus. If not, they were disciples of the evil one, Matthew 7:21-23. Their end shall be according to their works. Brother Johnson commented on Matthew 7:21-23. Observe--
4. B. W. Johnson wrote: “I never knew you must be accepted in its deeper signification of "recognizing the disciples." Augustine says that for Christ to say, "I never knew you," is only another way of saying, "You never knew me." Depart…ye that work iniquity. Despite all their professions, they had been evildoers. Their religion expended itself in professions and prayers. Hence, in "that day," they are commanded to depart. What it is to...depart, we may learn from Matt. 25:41. It is evident from this passage that many are self-deceived,” Page 65.
a. They had worked; but, had neither faith nor commission, from the Lord, James 2:14-19.
b. Paul warned the saints not to be deceived.
c. To be aware, regarding the works of the devil and his ministers, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
D. The practice of righteousness. We will now expose the hypocrisy of many claiming to be the servants of the Lord. The Apostle John wrote: "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the devil's works," 1 John 3:7-8. Observe--
1. First, "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that practice or (doeth) righteousness is righteous, even as He (Christ) is righteous,” 1 John 3:7. The message is this: the righteous doeth those things that are of righteousness. And they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous, Psalms 15:1-5. Psalms 24:3-5.
2. Further, he also penned: "For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:8. These are sobering words that follow. I pray you are listening to the teaching of the Lord!
3. Next, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (practice) sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God," 1 John 3:9.
4. Finally, "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother," 1 John 3:10.
a. We could then infer that doeth righteousness is of God, and he loves his brother. David wrote: “Blessed are they that keep judgment and him that doeth righteousness at all times,” Psalms 106:3.
b. Many of our ministers, preachers, evangelists, and church leaders speak about loving their brethren. But many limit their expression of divine love to only those who look like them (us).
1) They preach: “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares,” Hebrews 13:1-2.
2) However, brotherly love has not yet begun in many of our assemblies. Stay with me! The love of the brotherhood is absent from many of our meetings.
3) And I am not leaving out the “black churches” in this indictment.
c. Most of you will get mad at me now in this lesson. However, I must stand for truth in this matter! What does God require in brotherly love? Just for us to love each other and not the others? I wish I had some help!
d. Jesus said: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be you, therefore, perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” Matthew 5:46-48. Stay with me, brethren.
5. To love the brethren. John challenges us in this truth of God. No other writer has so carefully and truthfully spoken to "the love of brethren" as he did in the Letter of 1st John. Fasten your seat belts; the ride will get a little bumpy! There is severe turbulence ahead. Observe--
a. First, he wrote: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now (he abides in a total state of darkness)," 1 John 2:9. The word "hateth" in Gr., is miseo or me-se'-o, which means to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less: —hate (-ful).
1) This person hates, is pursued with Hatred, and detests and despises others. (I know I'm not speaking to anyone like that today.)
2) This kind of Hatred destroys the container that carries it. It is like acid; it erodes the manufactured vessel to transport it safely.
3) Hatred eats at the heart and body as cancer; it consumes the body, soul, and spirit of a person. But he continues--
b. Further, he penned: "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him (he walks without fault)," 1 John 2:10. The word "loveth" in Gr., is agapáo or ä-gä-pä'-o, which means to love: —(be-) love (-ed). To welcome, entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.
c. This is the love that God has for us and requires us to have for Him, our neighbors, and ourselves, John 3:16; Romans 5:8. Observe the Master’s words--
1) Jesus said: “Ye have heard that it hath been said: Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust,” Matthew 5:43-45. Hear Him again--
2) Jesus said: "Unto him (the lawyer), Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with thy entire mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like, unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," Matthew 22:37-40. (I hope you are the person I speak of now?).
3) The parable of the Good Samaritan is an example of one loving his neighbor as he loves himself. The priest and Levi saw the man's plight but passed by on the other side. The Samaritan saw and had compassion upon the traveler, gave immediate assistance, and paid for his recovery. Jesus asked: "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said...He that shewed mercy on him.” Jesus told the lawyer, "Go and do thou likewise," Luke 10:36-37.
NOTE: Download our lesson on the Good Samaritan, a sermon entitled: "Go and Do Likewise," Luke 10:25-37, on SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman.
c. Finally, he noted: "But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes," 1 John 2:11. We need to understand what John is stating. Observe--
1) The word "darkness" in the Gr., is scotia or sko-te'-ä, which means dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively): —dark (-ness). Darkness is the spiritual environment in which we walk. We are no longer walking in the light.
2) The word "blinded" in the Gr., is typhloo or tü-flo'-o, which means to make blind, i.e. (figuratively) to obscure: —blind. The word means to blunt one's mental discernment, to darken the mind. Blindness is the spiritual condition of our walk. Our hearts are darkened, and our eyes are scaled, causing blindness, Acts 9:18.
3) The heart looms in darkness, with spiritual blindness, aided by the devil’s cunning and evil devices, John 8:44-47; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:3.
4) Blindness is the devil's work against truth and godliness, 2 Corinthians 4:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:24-26. Only Christ can give thee light, John 8:12; John 1:10-12.
5) We cannot speak a lie in fact, nor can we lie about the truth, Galatians 4:16; 2 Corinthians 13:8. If our hearts are full of bitterness, Hatred, and prejudice, we are not walking humbly before God. Let no man deceive you: “he that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.”
6. Summary: To see the destructiveness of Hatred and darkness, I have humbly attended unto these esteemed writers for their wisdom in these verses. Remember that these are their words, as they had perceived them at the time of their writings, on this text from John's Letter to his beloved children. Observe--
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: "He that saith he is in the light. (But) hates his brother; he demonstrates that he is in darkness... On the other hand, brotherly love shows that one abides by the light. There is no occasion for stumbling. Because he walks in the light and can see where he walks...But he that hateth...is not following Christ, the Light, and hence walks in the darkness, hence is blinded. He cannot see the dangers beset him because of the darkness," Page 604.
b. Matthew Henry wrote: "Hatred is a sign of spiritual darkness...he that hateth his brother is in darkness, v.11. The Spirit of grace instills spiritual light, and one of the first fruits of (the) Spirit is love; he then who is possessed with malignity towards a...brother must need be destitute of spiritual light; consequently, he walks in darkness (v.11); his life is agreeable to a dark mind and conscience, and he knows not whither he goes; he sees not whither this dark Spirit carries him, and particularly that it will carry him to the world of utter darkness, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes, v.11," Page 1882.
E. Hope for America. There is, however, hope for America. If we keep our trust in God and deal righteously, kindly, and with integrity unto all men, God will be well pleased and heal our Nation. We are witnessing, even to this day, the cry of God's people on earth. He will come down and deliver us as He did for His people in Egypt. Christ's people are the children, and the Israel of God, Galatians 3:26-29; Galatians 6:16. Observe--
1. Moses wrote: “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows: And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey...Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now, therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt,” Exodus 3:7-10.
a. We are witnessing Moses’ call by God as the deliverer of His people. It was a ruthless Pharaoh and the whips of their taskmaster’s beatings that ignited the anger of God’s wrath against Egypt to move Him to judge the Nation. However,
b. It took 430 years of oppression before “the cup of the Amorites’ iniquities was sufficiently full,” Genesis 15:13-16.
c. When God delivers righteous judgment to the wicked, it will be after they have long and patiently endured their sins and ungodliness before Him.
1) The righteous will suffer many afflictions before God will judge their abusers: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” Psalms 34:19.
2) God's righteous people will suffer alongside the wicked, but He will deliver them out of all their afflictions. The evil, however, will not go unpunished, Jeremiah 49:12; Proverbs 17:5.
3) Jesus said of His elect: “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened,” Matthew 24:22.
2. Solomon wrote: “Righteousness exalts a nation. But sin is a reproach to any people. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant. But his wrath is against him who causes shame,” Proverbs 14:34-35.
3. Isaiah wrote: “With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness,” Isaiah 26:9. This pandemic COVID-19 shall teach America and the world of God's righteousness.
4. Amos wrote: "But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream,” Amos 5:24.
a. Let thy judgments, O Lord, run down from heaven like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.
b. To cleanse us of all our iniquities, teach us again of thy righteous precepts: “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before you.”
5. Application: We considered these verses earlier in the lesson. It is time now for an application. This Nation for nearly 245 years, the powers of America have dealt treacherously and discriminately with some of its people. These powers (political and police) have subjected some of its people to tyranny, cruelty, beatings, oppression, and even killings. Today, these acts are being sanctioned by most clergy and ministers of this Nation by their silence.
a. Many have sat in silence to the recent killing of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of 4 white police officers. Where were the cries of Micah, Jeremiah, Amos, and others against this brutality and cruelty before the world? These injustices without accountability have gone on too long!
b. It is time for America to: “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he comes and rain righteousness upon you,” Hosea 10:12. “Seek ye the Lord, while He may be found,” Isaiah 55:6-11.
1) Thank God for our youth. The youth of America, in and out of the church, have been stirred up in their hearts against the wickedness and corruption in all levels of government for the lack of equality and justice in our police forces that have sworn to “protect and serve” all Americans.
2) They have come from all walks of life, from all races, religions, and social classes, to protest that “justice must be for all Americans.”
3) Police officers' badges must be a sign of their resolve to “protect and serve” the people of their communities.
4) For decades, it has been a symbol of brutality, abuse, and murder to many of the citizens in America. Let’s consider the causation of these evils to exist in America. First, let’s consider the term “systemic racism.” Please, observe,
c. Systemic Racism. It is defined as: “The oppression of a racial group to the advantage of another as perpetuated by inequity within interconnected systems (such as political, economic, and social systems). This evil continues today because the white clergy and ministers across America do not speak out against it. I adjure you in the name of the Lord: to speak out against this ungodliness. Still, another is “white silence.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary “Systemic Racism.”
d. White silence. It is defined as: “In racial dialogue, white silence functions to shelter white participants by keeping their racial perspectives hidden and thus protected from exploration or challenge. It is also described as a quiet that balances all the toxic and harm-causing noise, from which true insight and prayer are born.” These abuses and injustices exist because of “white silence.” The oppressors continue their wrongdoing because their peers do not chastise them: the righteous "white people of America." Their silence has permitted these acts of terrorism, brutality, and reprisals to continue in America. Hear me good!
1) I am speaking directly to the white clergy and ministers of this Nation, even among Christ's church.
2) Your pulpits have remained silent about these atrocities regarding American Politics and Law Enforcement.
3) This generation of white silence reminds me of the same kind of people who ignored the struggles of black people during the “Civil Rights Movement.”
4) It took a letter from Martin Luther King while he sat in a Birmingham Jail to arouse their conscience of the Nation's evils. Who do you serve? To remain silent is to acknowledge consent to these terrible injustices. Prejudice, segregation, and hatred for people of color continue in America. Why? Let’s define our last term in this lesson, “white shame.” Some of you might not be aware of the term. Observe,
e. White shame. It is defined as: “Condemnation of yourself as a White person rather than specific racist actions. Someone might feel shame for engaging in racism (thoughts, feelings, beliefs, behaviors), having failed to stop others from engaging in racism (group, systemic, structural), and not living up to the false “non-racist White person” ideal.
1) Their real fear is rejection by others if this “behavior” is discovered, and they often avoid others or withdraw as a coping mechanism rather than change.
2) Many White Americans are feeling this now because of their fear of opposing and speaking out against systemic racism and white silence.
3) The youth of America are creating this “backlash” of shame for all their friends and family who remain silent and exhibit a “do nothing” attitude to these social and racial injustices.
4) Conclusion: The Christian cannot be a party to racism and remain silent nor take a “do nothing attitude” when others are being oppressed and abused. This was Israel’s problem, which Micah wrote about. And this was Peter’s problem as a leader in the church in the first century. Observe,
f. Peter’s fear of the Judaizers. Peter failed to exhibit authentic leadership in Antioch when “certain of the sect of the Pharisees” had come from Jerusalem. God allowed him to demonstrate authentic leadership, but he failed because of his fear “of the circumcision from James.” It took Paul to rebuke Peter for his weakness and fear of the Pharisees before the Antioch church. Some of you are likewise guilty! I trust you will not behave as Peter did in Antioch. Don't abandon the Lord, the church, and the youth of America. Stand with them! Applaud your sons and daughters for their courage and fortitude. Paul’s love for Peter and the work he and Barnabas had established in Antioch set forth his rebuke of Peter in public! Observe--
1) Paul’s rebuke. He wrote: "But when Peter came to Antioch, I (Paul) withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed," Galatians 2:11.
2) Paul’s reason. He continues: “For before those certain came from James (the Jerusalem church), he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation,” Galatians 2:12-13.
3) Paul’s rationale. He concluded: “But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If, thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” Galatians 2:14.
6. Conclusion: How can we convert the world when we have not truly been saved? God has set us in the church: “As evangelists, ministers, pastors, and teachers: for the perfecting of the saint, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-16.
a. As Paul did in Ephesus, we must walk upright before God, the church, and the world. He told the leaders: "Wherefore I take you to record this day, I am pure from all men's blood. I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God,” Acts 20:26-27. I told you the truth in all things.
b. If our pulpits do not declare the whole counsel, then we are not pure from the blood of all men, nor are we walking upright, according to the gospel.
c. Don’t forget preachers and leaders; we too will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. What will your answer be? You know we are going to give an account.
7. God’s forgiveness. After 70 years of exile, the people return safely to their fathers' land. Hear Jehovah--
a. Jeremiah wrote: “Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away:”
1) First, “The king of Assyria hath devoured him; and last this Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon hath broken his bones.”
2) Further, “Therefore thus saith the LORD of the host, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon Mount Ephraim and Gilead.”
3) Finally, “In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve,” Jeremiah 50:17-20.
a) The word reserve in Heb. is shâ'ar, shaw-ar', which means to swell up, i.e., to—leave, (be) left, let remain, a remnant, a reserve.
b) Jehovah promises to keep alive a remnant, to reserve for pardon and return.
b. Micah wrote: “Who is a God like unto thee: that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, have compassion upon us, subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old,” Micah 7:18-20.
1) Micah again, "He will have compassion upon us; He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea,” Micah 7:19. Oh, what a precious promise regarding the God we now serve! The prophet,
2) Micah speaks of God’s willingness to forgive His people.
3) Jehovah has put away all their sins.
c. God's desire to forgive. Before I move to a conclusion, hear the words of the servants of the Lord, of Jehovah’s forgiveness. Observe--
1) David wrote: “As far as the east is from the west, So, far hath he removed our transgressions from us,” Psalms 103:12.
2) Isaiah inscribed: “Behold, it was for my peace that I had great bitterness: But thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back,” Isaiah 38:17. Listen to Paul,
3) He penned: "But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds, I will write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more,” Hebrews 10:15-17; Jeremiah 31:31-34.
a) First, "Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer any offering for sin," Hebrews 10:18. Unto them then, and us: “Where there is remission, there is no more offering for sins; and our sins and iniquities will He remember no more.”
b) Further, the word remission in Hebrew is áphesis, af'-es-is, which means to pardon: deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.
c) Finally, Jesus came into the world to be offered himself “for the remissions of sins” and to be a “ransom for many” Matthew 20:28; Galatians 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:3-7. America, God is willing to forgive her, too! His mercies endure to every generation.
d. Conclusion: Hear O, Israel, our God is one Lord. As with Israel and Judah, Jehovah is willing also to forgive our sins and iniquities. O, Lord, you know we have many. But Jehovah hath said: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land,” 2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
1) Herein is our charge, brothers: to cause the people to call upon the Lord, humble themselves, pray and seek His face, and turn away from all their wickedness, that God might hear them, forgive them, and heal our land from sickness and disease. Will you join me in this soul-stirring charge to the church, its ministers, its leaders, and the entire Nation?
2) Before I close, it is necessary for me to state that not all police, politicians, and people are wicked and ungodly. There are much more dedicated ones than evil in our police departments throughout America and God-fearing politicians in Washington, D.C.
3) I do not want to obscure their faith, work, and patronage of this beautiful country, so it should go unnoticed without our thanks. I honor these in the name of the Lord. I pray many more will rise and walk as these do in the coming days. I pray for you also to remain “on task,” to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before our God. As I close, recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. That We Do Justly
2. That We Love Mercy
3. That We Walk Humbly
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we observed what God required: "We do justly” before Him, our brethren, and our fellow man, regardless of their religious, racial, or economic standing. God had somewhat against Judah. They were not dealing honestly and with integrity among each other or with their fellow man. The rich oppressed the poor. The merchants defrauded their customers. And their religious leaders permitted these sins of immorality, injustices, and corrupt practices to go unchecked. Micah was crying out within the land against the people, while Isaiah was accusing: "That the leaders of this people have caused them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed," Isaiah 9:16. Is there one crying out in this land, to do justly unto all men, that God might be well pleased?
2. Second, we considered what God required: that “we love mercy" and shew compassion and goodwill unto all men. We are witnessing a time of sickness and death in America; none have seen it since the "flu pandemic of the early 19th century." What is missing during this pandemic is mercy and compassion for those who are sick and dying. This Nation has suffered the loss of over 1.5 million people to the coronavirus, yet not one religious leader has offered a prayer for this Nation. Instead of working together, we have an Administration that is thwarting the health and welfare of this Nation for its gain. The former President was golfing while the Nation was burying their dead in mass graves. He had no national policy or plan to respond to and recover from this terrible pandemic. Where is the mercy Micah spoke about in America? Why haven't our religious leaders spoken out against what seems to be a terrible injustice to some of America's population? Micah cries: "Who is a God like unto thee?" There is none just as the King of Kings, and none so merciful, who pardons "the remnant of His heritage." Jehovah’s "hand is stretched out still," to pardon and forgive Judah, of all her iniquities” Isaiah 9:17.
3. Lastly, we investigated the fact that the Lord required “that we walk humbly before Him." If there is one sin that magnifies all others in this Nation, it is a sin of pride. One person thinks it is superior to another. We are not walking humbly before God when we lift ourselves over others. This Nation no longer walks humbly before God. We once trusted and reverenced God. But now, we walk in arrogance, pride, and divisiveness before God and the world. We are no longer a people envied by others; we are "a people to be pitied" by all nations and people. Like Judah, we have become “an abomination before God.”
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14].
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Consultations and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, published 1810-1826, New York, by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. “Systemic racism,” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Accessed 18 Mar. 2024. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/systemic racism.
8. CBSN, “Understanding "white silence" and its impact on racial equality.” Produced by CBSN to discuss this topic and movement aimed at driving the conversation of “white silence” forward, June 5, 2020. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/understanding-white-silence-and-its-impact-on-racial-equality/ [To view the video, copy and paste the link into your browser].
9. “White Shame,” Psychology Today, Naomi Torres-Mackie, Ph.D., is a psychologist whose’ clinical, teaching, and consulting work focuses on social justice in psychology. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/underdog-psychology/202007/
Author’s Information
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org.TM
Post Office Box 1112
Anniston, AL 36202
Email: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
Website: https://www.wwmchurchofchrist.org
Updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, 3/18/2024
