My reading this morning took me to Micah. He may be considered a "minor" prophet, but he sure says some big things. Especially in the last two chapters, there are many meditation-worthy thoughts. In chapter 7, verse 18, for example, it says that God delights in showing mercy. What an odd thing to say in the middle of the seemingly harsh spiritual environment of the Old Testament. God delights in mercy?
If we think about it, David mentioned that God's goodness and mercy would chase us down all our lives. (Psalm 23:6) It's probably good to stop every now and then to let them catch us! Now Micah reminds us that God delights in being merciful. This statement is on the tail end of some really good stuff, worth diving into for a few minutes.
In Micah 6, God is using the prophet to remind His people of all He did for them. I love when I get a glimpse of God's point of view. In these last two chapters, He is referring back to the great deliverance He brought about for His people when He went to get them from Egypt's grasp. In verse 5, as God continues to unfold the story, He says this. I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness. (NLT) Does that not just blow your mind? His acts were designed to help His people know Him better and understand what a faithful God He was.
Most of us are familiar with verses 6-8 that talk about what God really requires from us. Love mercy, do what is right, and walk humbly with God. But the rest of chapter 6 and first few verses of chapter 7 is about the wickedness that His people were allowing to reign in the land. But in verse 7, Micah says this. As for me, I will look to the Lord for His help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Of course, God will hear Micah. Of course, God will hear us. He's standing right here! How do I know that? Because He delights in mercy and sent out both His mercy and His goodness to chase us down. He's never far away, even when we feel separated from Him. He's still chasing us.
God is purposed and intentional about being a part of our day to day lives. He delights in walking through time with us. It's up to us to stop and let Him catch us. It's something He cannot do for us - but He never calls off the chase!
Today, I will stop. I will be still. I will let God catch me. Then, I will wait on Him. I'll remind myself that God hasn't gone anywhere. He is still in my here. My meditations will be on how He desires to be with me when most don't have a clue about what my situation really entails. But God is intimately acquainted with all of my ways. He sees every minute detail and still chooses to chase me down to be with me. I think I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?
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