Micah 3:5-10

“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.” vs. 10

When God called prophets to bring a word of judgment to the rulers of Israel and Judah they seldom found a sympathetic ear at the court. Instead they were uniformly opposed and even persecuted. The prophets who served as the king’s advisors were totally in lockstep with whatever the king wanted. Micah says that such prophets were not in tune with the spirit of the Lord. All they were interested in was enriching themselves, so they willingly joined in with the abuse of the poor and the neglect of the hungry.

So Micah wasn’t afraid to speak the truth to power, to insist on justice for the downtrodden, and expose the sin of the kings. Even if no one listened to him, he knew he was speaking for the Lord. There are still such prophets in the land, and some of them speak with conviction and passion in defending the poor and exposing the extortion of those who hold the power.

We wonder how they don’t get discouraged. So many seemingly decent folks are winking at injustice and offering support to the arrogant.  But like Micah, prophets propelled by the Spirit of the Lord continue to speak and raise a ruckus. It might be that one day their words will be taken to heart and justice will prevail. It’s happened before, it can happen again!

Thought for the Day: What’s the best way to control the power of money?