An Argument Against Corruption

March 22, 2020 Background Scripture: Micah 3 – 6 Lesson Passage: Micah 3:1 – 3, 9 – 12; 6:6 – 8 Like the other Minor Prophets, Micah did not write a lengthy dissertation. However, there are some major revelations from God in what he did write. The prophet Micah cried out in Judah for social justice at a time when his message was not always popular. Especially since no one was exempt from God’s rebuke contained in his message. He warned all, the leaders in their society as well as the citizens. The corruption in society started at the top and filtered down to others. Matters were made worse because the judges, priests, and prophets were all accused of performing their duties for money. So-called “justice” in the courts could be bought for a price. Put another way, those with money could commit crimes and not suffer the consequences while the poor could not expect to receive a fair trial—since they had nothing to bribe the judge with. The priests were supposed to go before God on behalf of the people, and the prophets were called of God to speak to the people on behalf of God. However, the priests who instructed the people in the ways of God only did so for money. The prophets prophesied based on the compensation they received for it. For the right price, they would gladly proclaim that all was well. It was during the time of this spiritual and social confusion that Micah cried out for social justice and for the people to return to righteous living. There is evidence in Israel’s recorded history to suggest that many of the leaders in Judah ignored Micah’s message. The common people, on the other hand, paid closer attention. Many of the commoners lived in the outlying villages of Judah. Those areas were vulnerable and subject to be attacked. They were constantly plagued by raids by the Assyrians and other enemies of Israel. During Micah’s years of prophesying, the Assyrians besieged Samaria, the northern kingdom’s capitol, and carried into captivity the people of Israel. After that, the Assyrians continued to harass the villagers in the southern kingdom of Judah and even attempted to overthrow Judah’s capitol city of Jerusalem. Micah’s message that proclaimed God’s judgment would have been welcomed news to the common people and troubling to those who were living on bribes. Even more so, what God required of them was within reach compared to what their corrupt leaders required. The corrupt leaders required money, but God required social justice, kindness, and humility. In other words, what God demanded did not require money or resources. In fact, every person in society could meet God’s requirement. It was a matter of a changed and repentant heart that was evidenced by how they lived. Rather than do that, the people responded by performing meaningless religious rituals in an effort to appease God. Unfortunately, as is so often the case, even the common people acted as the wealthy and well-positioned in society. They were reminded that God was not satisfied with any amount of offering or sacrifice that was not accompanied by the worshipper living righteously. God knows the difference between the intentions of a person’s heart and their actions. A life lived in sincere humility and kindness towards others was and is pleasing to God. Robert C. Hudson March 7, 2020