Series in Micah - Premeditated Evil

 

Premeditated Evil

Micah 2:1-3

I’m reminded of a poem quote written by Sir Walter Scott in 1808, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”. It means that when you act dishonestly you are initiating problems, and a domino structure of complications, which will eventually run out of control.” Oh, what a tangled web we weave…

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The message from this poem could have been written in the same manner that Micah was hearing from God. God hates evil and deceit, especially premeditated evil. We live in a world today that seems to major in preplanned evil. From the globalist and the elitists, to the gangsters to the terrorists, there are deliberate and conscious decisions being made in dark areas all over the world, formulated and propagated by those whose minds are influenced by the prince of darkness.

So let’s read the first portion of the text. “What sorrow awaits you who lie awake at night, thinking up evil plans. You rise at dawn and hurry to carry them out, simply because you have the power to do so. When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family’s inheritance.”

This is Micah’s revelation from God, for the wealthy and the influencers were planning chaos, to which they had the solution to it as well, sort of the early version of the Hegelian dialectic, but God says, “No way.” 

Micah has seen the coming judgment from God in the vision, he has spoken God’s message to both Israel (northern kingdom) and Jerusalem and Judea (southern kingdom) and mourned for them. Now he addresses those who are the spiritual and governing influencers, they have been planning evil similar to Ahab’s desire of Naboth’s vineyard. (1 Kings 21:1-16) 

The country has been taken over by premediative evil. The Assyrians have come in and taken whatever they wanted, and those with means are scheming to help themselves to what is left. Whether by legal manipulation or outright purloining and misappropriation of titles and deeds or fraud and violence as did Ahab and Jezebel.

One major problem with their plan, “but God”. For God had established in His covenant agreement with Moses that land be given to the family for generations (Numbers 26-27) as in the case of Naboth’s ancestral inheritance.

Application - Where does one begin with premeditated evil, for it is truly in almost all aspects of mankind’s life. What if we had political and spiritual leaders today that wouldn’t concede to political correctness or wokism but to stand on the truth of God’s Word. The corruption of premeditated evil was active in Jeremiah’s and Micah’s days. And the prophets' words carried the divine weight of God’s truth and impending doom for a people who have given themselves over to spiritual harlotry, greed, and violence. These people were similar to the people of Noah’s day, who gave themselves over to unbridled sin. “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil…for they have filled the earth with violence.” (Gen. 6:5,13b NLT) 

But they did have One who came and spoke the Word of God: repentance, judgment, and hope to them, Noah. “And God did not spare the ancient world—except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God’s righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood.” (2 Pet. 2:5 NLT)

Outside of Israel, I know of no other country who has had a divine unconditional covenantal deed to their property for all generations, and that surely hasn’t stopped those who scheme and plot evil at night, or even in the day time to take Israel’s inheritance away from them by any means. Even in our country, squatters have rights to property that isn’t theirs , a vacant home can be occupied by squatters, for if they live there for five to twenty years depending on the state it will be their property.  Or the seizure of property for a governmental project has sometimes been taken without proper financial compensation. These seem minor unless it is your property. 

In all of this malfeasance, malefaction, and transgression, God is watching everything and about to bring the gavel down.

Just remember, God is sovereign and in control, even when we can’t see it. His patience is far greater than ours, but when it has reached its limit, he will fulfill justice to all.

Last, Micah pronounces divine judgment and recompence is coming. So let’s read the last portion of the text. “But this is what the Lord says: “I will reward your evil with evil; you won’t be able to pull your neck out of the noose. You will no longer walk around proudly, for it will be a terrible time.”

God said it is reward time. Micah knows that God isn’t corruptible, each person will receive the reward for his actions. Good to those whose reward is good, and evil for those whose reward is evil. God is just and righteous in all His ways. God is telling the guilty that the hanging tree is prepared, the noose is prepared and in place, there will not be a reprieve or relenting. God’s purpose and appointed times are set by Him, and only He can change them. 

Pride was a major influencer and provocator in the world from the beginning, and it still was in Micah's days. The wealthy and influential couldn’t connive their way out of this judgment with a bribe or a promised favor. Any explanation or elucidation from their mouths would only perjure them. God had seen enough, He couldn’t be dissuaded, diverted, or deterred, justice will be done, and upcoming days would be appalling and horrendous.

Application - Micah lived under the Law of Moses and he understood “an eye for an eye”. "And a man who injures his countryman – as he has done, so it shall be done to him [namely,] fracture under/for fracture, eye under/for eye, tooth under/for tooth. Just as another person has received injury from him, so it will be given to him" (Leviticus 24:19–21 ESV)

Jesus has told us that we aren’t to act as under the rule of the old covenant Law, “an eye for an eye.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matt. 5:38-39 NIV) 

He has called us to a different way, “Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” (1 Pet. 3:9 ESV)  But God is sovereign and His justice is precise and righteous. God doesn’t wink at injustice, pride, or political skulduggery. He will bring justice and it will be meted out with equity, integrity, and uprightness. “And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done…that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” (Rom. 2:2-6,16)

We indeed see evil and premeditated violence in our world today, and yes God promised that "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord". (Rom. 12:19 KJV) and His promise are always true “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 1:20 NIV)

Like Micah, we should have remorse and mourn for the lost over the coming judgment that will consume this world.  And we don’t know the date or the hour, but only the certainty that God will fulfill His Word and will do according to his purpose and justice plan. I know that it is easier to celebrate the punishment of evil in our world, but God has told us not to rejoice over the calamity that will befall mankind, “Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.” (Prov. 24:18-19 NLT)

In conclusion, Let us seek God for His justice and righteousness. For God himself has wept over the lost too! ”For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows. They speak friendly words to their neighbors while scheming in their heart to kill them. Should I not punish them for this?” says the Lord. “Should I not avenge myself against such a nation?” I will weep for the mountains and wail for the wilderness pastures. For they are desolate and empty of life.” “If you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive. (Jer. 9:8-10; Jer. 13:17 NLT)

God will judge soon enough, and when He does there will not be an acquittal or retrial. God’s will and purpose are for the redemption and reconciliation of the lost, but He will condemn those who will not repent and turn from their wickedness. So what kind of people should we be? Hope is found in God in Christ Jesus.

 I’m again including the ABC’s of salvation for all those who have not yet received Jesus Christ for salvation. For Jesus, God the Son, came to this world to save all who would believe and trust in him. He desires to reveal himself to you, He is the Light that overcomes the darkness of this lawless world. He hears your prayers, and all authority in heaven and earth have been given to him. He will answer you if you will truly believe. If you haven’t asked him to be your Lord and Savior, today could be that day.

 First, A - Admit that you are a sinner. This is where that godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance for sinning against a righteous God and there is a change of heart, we change our mind and God changes our hearts and regenerates us from the inside out. Romans 3:10 - As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (We are all born sinners which is why we must be born spiritually in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven). Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The bad news is that the wages of sin is death, in other words our sin means that we have been given a death sentence, we have the death penalty hanging over our heads, that's the bad news. But here's the good news: The good news is that the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 2:8-9 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Second,

 B - Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and that God raised Jesus from the dead. This is trusting with all of your heart that Jesus Christ is who he said he was. Romans 10:9-10 - That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Third, 

C - Call upon the name of the Lord. Every single person who ever lived since Adam will bend their knee and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Romans 14:11 - For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." Don't wait until later — do this now. Romans 10:13 - For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." "O God, I am a sinner. I'm sorry for my sin. I want to turn from my sin. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son; I believe that He died on the cross for my sin and that He was buried and You raised Him to life. I have decided to place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior, trusting only in His shed blood as sufficient to save my soul and to take me to heaven. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen."

Please share this with someone this week, the Lord knows that we and they need it.

If you would like other lessons, please go to http://pmdinhisservice.blogspot.com 

Until next week, In His Service Mike Davis

I have revised my webpage on Spiritual warfare. Please give it a look. Thank you. http://uss-warfare3.webnode.com