Is It Worth It?

It is not an uncommon experience for a Christian to weigh the wisdom of holding fast to the faith when there are so many pressures placed upon the believer to abandon it: a family member or neighbor scoffs, what we have to say consistently fall on deaf ears, all the power and influence appears to reside in the hands of those who oppose the church and its mission, or, as has recently been the case, the persecutor’s sword is at the throat. In the face of such opposition, it’s not unusual for enervating thoughts to creep into one’s head, “Is this worth it? Is there any reason for me to keep confessing this stuff? Do I really want to continue being associated with such an impotent and irrelevant institution as the church?” Assuredly there is, for the faith we confess rests not in the effectiveness or faithfulness of church, but in the God who makes and keeps covenant. It’s because of who he is and what he purposes that we should “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23). The following is a brief catechism based upon Micah 7 (with a couple of other portions of Micah thrown in) that I hope will convince you of this truth:

What is God’s goal?

To bring glory to his name (4:1-5)

How has he done this?

By creating for himself a people who declare his glory (7:8-10, 18; 4:1-7)

What kind of people has he created?

A holy people (7:7)

What does it mean for a people to be holy?

It means that they are set apart, possessed by God from all other peoples, and their lives reflect the fact that they have been set apart, possessed by God (7:16-19)

What has he done to meet his goal?

Entered into covenant with them (7:20)

How does this accomplish his goal?

It binds the entire weight of his character and attributes to the accomplishing of the goal (7:15, 20)

Will that prove sufficient to accomplish the goal?

Certainly, for he is not only capable of accomplishing the task, he delights in it (7:15, 18)

Why does he delight in accomplishing this goal?

Because it brings him glory (7:18a)

What in particular has he done, or is doing, to have for himself a holy people?

He has dealt with their past sins and is working on their present sins (7:18-19)

How has he dealt with their past sins, and how does he work on their present sins?

By sending his Son, the promised Messiah, to accomplish in the flesh what his people could not, namely all righteousness, both in his obedience to the law and his atoning death; and in the sending of his Holy Spirit to abide in his people by whose power he is transforming them to walk in the holiness that marks his people (5:2-6, 10-14; cf., Romans 8:1-4, 31-39)

Does this bring him glory?

Yes, for it is all a product of his mercy, grace, and love, and makes a mockery of false gods and the dire predictions of foolish, boastful people (7:18-20; 7:10).

What should we do as we wait for God to accomplish his goal?

Remain steadfast and patient, praying with faith (7:7)

"O My People"

“My forebears came over on the Mayflower.” I’ve met a couple of people who’ve made this claim. In this country, that’s about as far back (nearly 400 years) as anyone can lay claim to some sort of discernible relationship with previous generations of their family (well, at least for those who emigrated from Europe -- it may very well be that some descended from the native population at the time of the Pilgrims’ landing might claim a longer lineage). But I think it’s safe to say that few, if any, consider in a lively manner how the realities of an older generation affect their own. That was then, this is now. Biblically, however, it’s a different matter.

In chapter 6, Micah summons God’s people to hear the Lord’s indictment against them. Yahweh asks, “O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me!” They have no cause to abandon the Lord; he has been faithful. The proof? In verses 4-5 Yahweh asks that they “remember” his delivering of them from Egypt, his provision and protection as they journeyed, as well as their crossing over the Jordan to take possession of the land promised to their forefathers. “There’s your proof!” What we are likely to miss in this exchange, however, is how chronologically far removed Micah’s generation is from the events Yahweh cites. Moses lived circa 1400 BC, Micah circa 700 BC.Yet the Lord speaks as though it was they that he had shepherded into Canaan. Why does he do this? How can he do this? It’s because “my people” are covenant people.

More than any other factor, what defines God’s people as God’s people is that they are in covenant with him. From Abraham to Micah, succeeding generations had this constant: Yahweh was their God by reason of the covenant that he made with them. This is why Zechariah, prophesying over John the Baptist some 700 years after Micah, exults in God’s remembering “his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham.” Importantly, this why the apostle Paul can speak of non-Jewish believers in Jesus as the “offspring of Abraham,” “the circumcision,” and “the Israel of God.” Additionally, this is why God can put to the side circumcision and dietary and ceremonial laws, things identified with God’s people for a time, because these were not what ultimately defined them.

What does this mean? As in Micah’s day, so now, we are to remember God’s faithfulness in keeping covenant, which calls for faithfulness from his people, no matter the circumstance or century.

Preservation, Purification, Protection

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5, concerning the church, that God "has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation" (v. 9). This is the gospel stated in its most succinct form. Those who are in union with Christ are saved from the dreadful day of judgment. And as is evident in God's dealings with Israel, he keeps his word. He preserves for himself a people who will experience the fullness of his mercy. But as is also evident in his dealings with Israel, the blissful destination doesn't guarantee a blissful journey. A lot of divine effort goes into protecting and preserving God's elect. The closing verses of Micah 5 give insight into the process, a process that's focused on fulfilling the 1st command, "You shall have no other gods before me," a process that roots out the enemy within and defeats the enemies without. 

First he attacks "horses," "chariots" and "strongholds." These were entities in which Israel trusted to keep the enemies at bay and their future secure. Then he purposes to "cut off sorceries," false sources of discernment and insight. Next he intends to destroy "carved images . . . pillars . . . cities," objects and centers of idolatry. All of these work to undermine the singular devotion and trust that God's people should have in him as the one who redeemed them from slavery and made of them a kingdom of priests. 

His protection also includes dealing with the external enemies of his people. The people of God have always been under threat. As I write, there is significant persecution being perpetrated against the elect in parts of the world. Nevertheless, God will not allow any nation to have the final say about their destiny. He states that "in anger and wrath" he will "execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey." Dictators may flex their nationalistic muscles or pious murderers may wield their sacred swords, but they will not prevail over God's intention to have for himself a people who will enjoy his presence eternally. 

Of course, the one shepherding this process is the Bethlehem-born Messiah who stands "in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God." And because of the protection he affords, "they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth" (5:4). 

As Paul urges, let's "encourage one another and build one another up" as we consider Yahweh's gracious goal for his people (1 Thess. 5:11).

Restoration Project

Did you see Skyfall, the last installment of the James Bond series? Do you remember the culminating fight at Bond’s family estate in Scotland? Do you remember the vintage Aston Martin being destroyed? I must admit, I winced some when that happened. I wondered for a moment if that was a real Aston Martin. Then I assumed it was a mock-up, model, or CGI creation. It would be hard to fathom, at least for me, a beautifully restored Aston Martin being blown up. Of course, others could care less if it was real and obliterated. “What’s so special about a car that you concern yourself with whether or not it’s blown to bits?” 

Perhaps Micah was similarly incredulous when God gave a word of hope to Israel after having excoriated them for their idolatry and social depravity (chapter 3). Yahweh had, for all intents and purposes, consigned them to the junk yard (3:12). But now he was promising that he would fully restore them, bringing them back to their former glory (chapter 4). Why? What’s so special about them?

The love that God had for Israel is undeniable. He acted again and again to keep them from being utterly removed from the face of the earth. The reason? He had a purpose for them that reached beyond their borders and bloodline. From Israel he would bring the Redeemer who would preside over a kingdom marked by truth, justice, and peace, a kingdom of restored humanity that would shine bright and beautiful like some remade vintage sports car.

The knowledge of God’s determined end affected Micah. He understood that if God resolved to bring this about (4:4), then all who “walked in the name of the LORD our God,” would have a place in that glorious kingdom (4:5). And knowing that that is what will be, then that is what should be, even now. 

By the power of the Holy Spirit, covetousness, greed, injustice, falsehood, indeed, all that brings the judgment of God upon his creation, must be put far away from his elect. We’re not yet fully restored, but the rust, decayed upholstery, and faded paint are continually being removed until in the new heavens and earth we will be a thing of beauty, a testimony to his mercy, grace, and life-giving power.