Daily Manna: Of Divine Chastisement

Sunday 18, August 2013

TEXT: MICAH 4:8-13

KEY VERSE: “Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail” (Micah 4:9)

God chastises His erring children to bring them back to the centre of His will. So, His chastisement is proof that we are still His children for “if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons” (Hebrews 12:8 ).

Micah’s prophecy spurred from this perspective. It was a message of punishment and hope for the Israelites, as the prophet took a swoop on their character. They had rejected God, His word and His prophets’ advice. The Assyrians had attacked Jerusalem and took some captive, but the remaining people cried as if they had no king. Therefore, God decided they would be taken to Babylon.

Many nations would gather against them, thinking that God had completely abandoned them. God’s punishment was not to destroy them permanently but to help them find their way back to Him. God assured He had not forgotten them because, as their real King and Helper, He would restore them. That was why the prophet described their pains as that of a woman in labour, who is at the verge of being delivered of a child. After the delivery, she would have joy. The Lord would equally deal with their enemies.

The prophecy is still about the future state of Israel, who has, currently, not accepted God. Israel would eventually be delivered during the great tribulation when they seek the Lord. This is certainly a lesson for everybody today that God will always punish people for their sins.

So, you need to repent and have the hope of eternal life. If not, you stand the risk of severe judgment from God who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He who trifles with sin after salvation stakes his eternal well-being on a perilous altar.

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