TOPIC: WOE TO OPPRESSORS

Opening Prayer: My dear heavenly Father, as I study your word, let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Scripture: Micah 2:1‐13

Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any warning for me to heed?

MESSAGE

Although all Israel sinned against the Lord, the leaders, elite, rich and powerful were the major culprits. Their injustice and oppression of the poor roused God’s anger and prompted His judgment. What were their offences (vs.1‐2, 8‐9)? People do evil because they control the power structure and so have the authority to carry out their schemes. Taking land and property from the underprivileged was violation of God’s covenant (Exodus 20:17).

Today, land grabbers and oppressors of the weak are also everywhere. They continue to get rich at the expense of the poor. If woe was pronounced on them in Micah’s day, the same applies today (James 5:1‐6). Compare v.6 with v.11. These oppressors would not listen to God’s word nor accept correction and rebuke for their sins, rather, they prefer to hear prophets who tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3‐4).

In vs.12‐13, there is a sudden shift from judgment to salvation. God’s judgment would not totally destroy the nation, a remnant will be gathered to restore and rebuild the nation. Even in judgment God is still merciful. How does that give you hope for your nation?

Practice/Word Application
Food for thought: The wicked uses the night to plan evil. The believer uses the night to develop his relationship with the Lord (Psalm 1:2, 63:6; 119:55,148).

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Pray for the oppressed of the society – the widows, orphans, the weak, the poor, etc.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Psalm 23:6; Ezekiel 25‐27

Daily Guide 7th September 2022 | Scripture Union