You who . . . eat my people’s flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces. (Mic. 3:2–3)
At one time, the Israelite nation had been great. In today’s terminology, she could have been described as a superpower. Economically, politically, and militarily, she had been the envy of other nations. Things had run smoothly. God had blessed the nation mightily!
Then, a transition took place. Because things had been going so well, the rulers and the leaders of the people began to lose sight of their need to depend upon God. They would have said that they still believed in the Almighty, but their actions showed otherwise.
The prophet Micah used the metaphor of cannibalism to help them understand how things had changed. The leaders and rulers of Israel were not actually eating people. However, by their words, actions, and decisions they were destroying the nation. The way they were leading had become both selfish and unhealthy. They were using their authority to steal the land and homes of the poor and weak. They were taking advantage of those who could not stand up for themselves.
Their focus on personal aspirations and advantages caused them to no longer be concerned about the things of God. Their lifestyle no longer reflected God’s commands. Justice was no longer a priority. They had backed away from speaking out for truth. The passion they once had about following God had become lukewarm.
Depend on God, obey his commands, and live out his priorities.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
