June 20, 2024
Who is Like the LORD? -- Part 4
Micah 7:20
06/20/2024
20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast
love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old. (ESV)
The prophet Micah, who was a contemporary of Isaiah about
700 years before the birth of Jesus, spoke a message of warning
and of forgiveness. In the same way that we must proclaim God's
Law and speak of His wrath towards those who refuse to repent,
Micah clearly foretold the destruction of Jerusalem because the
people turned from God.
Micah reminded those who heard him that God's promises were
trustworthy, that since the days of Abraham the promise of
redemption was given to those who believe in His Word. ``You
will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as
you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.'' What God
promised earlier was fulfilled, so also would be fulfilled the
promise of the forgiveness of sins and redemption from eternal
death.
Micah's message is the same message written by John the
Evangelist in his first epistle:
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [God] is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.[2]
That forgiveness is found in Jesus Christ, who suffered,
died, and rose again for our salvation. The faith which trusts
in God's promise of redemption is given to us by the Holy Spirit
who washes us in the waters of Baptism, thus cleansing us from
the guilt of our sin. This promise of grace, of the undeserved
love of God, is offered to each person, without price, without
our works, simply because of God's mercy.
May our Lord grant us repentant hearts that trust fully in
His promise of forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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2. I John 1:8-9 (ESV)