A) PERVERTING FAITH - God will judge all false, dishonest prophets and leaders, in addition to the selfish priests of both Israel and Judah. To mix selfish motives with empty displays of religion is to pervert faith. Learn this lesson well ... coming up with your own private blend of religion will pervert your faith in God.
B) OPPRESSION - All nations that are oppressive to the poor will bring ruin upon themselves and their nation. The real shame of this sinful behavior is that no one called them out for acting in this ungodly way. This is why the entire nation of Judah was destroyed. No one stood up to defend the poor.
The situation is very clear ... if you will ignore the oppressed around you or silently condone the words and actions of the one doing the oppressing, then don’t bother to ask God for assistance. Not that he no longer loves you, but “sin hardens us. Ongoing sin is a series of decisions, each one choosing against God’s authority in our lives and substituting our own. Those decisions create a wall between us and our Creator because we cannot have two masters.” [1] Repentance rebuilds that connection, which is a plain example of the patience, love, and mercy the Lord has for his people, of which you are one.
C) PLEASING GOD - Micah preached that God’s greatest desire was not the offering of sacrifices at the Temple, but rather he delights in the kind of faith that produces justice, love for others, and obedience to him.
True faith in God generates kindness, compassion, justice, and humility. We can please God by seeking these attributes in our work, our family, our church, and our neighborhood.
Up next is the book of Nahum. Until then walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
[1] (https://www.gotquestions.org/does-sin-separate-us-from-God.html
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