August 16, 2024 - Micah 5-7

Yesterday, I wrote:  “But just as all peoples are brought under obligation to the Lord and his word, so all peoples will find hope in Micah’s God.”  From Bethlehem will come a ruler, who will shepherd his people like a flock.  Of this ruler-shepherd, Micah says:  “He shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.  And he shall be their peace” (5:4-5).

And, then, what a powerful ending prophecy!  “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance?  He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.  He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot.  You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea” (7:18,19).

Great God of wonders!

All Thy ways Are matchless,

Godlike and divine;

But the fair glories of Thy grace

More Godlike and unrivalled shine.

Who’s a pardoning God like Thee?

Who has grace so rich and free?

Who's a pardoning God like Thee?

Great God of Wonders   --Samuel Davies (1791)