October 14, Micah 4
For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. - Micah 4:5
We hear a lot of talk these days about embracing diversity. Politicians know they have to appeal to a people with different viewpoints, from different ethnic backgrounds in different parts of the country to win an election. Some historians call America a melting pot, where different cultures and nationalities come together as a united people. Some religious groups practice a "big tent" philosophy of unity despite diverse positions about doctrinal matters.
Our love of freedom, combined with our culture's increasing emphasis on relativism and pluralism, has caused some people to apply these concepts to their spiritual lives. Is it really okay to worship whoever we choose in whatever way seems right to us? We cherish the right to worship according to the dictates of our own conscience that is baked into the founding documents of our nation. But does that mean that any and every way of expressing one's worship is acceptable to God? Micah described the conviction and practice of people in his day with these words: "For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god...." That sounds modern, but it's really very ancient. The pagans around Israel and many Israelites exemplified diversity in religion more than 2,700 years ago. But Micah struck a contrast to that kind of religion and way of living that the faithful remnant in Israel and Judah followed: "But we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever." Israel as a nation would come to an end. Northern kingdom Israel and southern kingdom Judah would go away into captivity.
But the remnant would survive, and through them Messiah would come and the mountain of the highest of the Lord would be established in Jerusalem. Not just those faithful Jews, but all nations would stream into the house, and Messiah would give them peace. He would be the true descendant of David and the fulfillment of the promise God made to the shepherd king. The world hates the people of God. But God is in control of them all, and he would bring the enemies of God's people into the harvest of judgment. God will reward his faithful people with peace and security, and at last, eternity with him in his house.
Let's look at Micah's affirmation of allegiance and its components. It's important to know that the "We" are the people who were faithful to God and did not turn to idols as so many of their countrymen and relatives did. Micah said, "We will." The people the prophet described are not by natural birth the descendants of faithful Abraham. But they are God's people because they trust in God. And the prophet said, "We will walk." Walking is a Bible-wide figure of speech for activity, behavior and conduct. It's not only a profession of faith or just a religious ritual. These people demonstrate their trusting faith in God by the way they live.
Then Micah added "in the name of the Lord." They acknowledge the Lord as Lord of their own lives. They take his name, they follow him and obey him. And as a result of their dedication and dependence on God, they will be with him "forever and ever."
Surely there is no part of that description we would not want for our own lives. We must not allow the selfish desire to do as we will instead of what God wills to control us. This is the secret to victory over the enemy. This is the path to peace, security and salvation. Let's be in the "we" that Micah described here.
Copyright © 2024 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—October 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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