A Call to Justice and Truth (Micah 3)

What happens when leaders abandon justice and truth?

Micah 3 delivers a sharp rebuke to the leaders and prophets of Israel for their corruption and self-serving actions. It reminds us of God’s deep concern for justice, integrity, and truth, challenging us to examine how we lead and influence others.

Key Verse:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (NASB)

Background Context:
Micah 3 exposes the moral decay of Israel’s leaders and prophets. These individuals, tasked with guiding the people in righteousness, instead pursued their own gain, exploiting the vulnerable. Their failure to lead with justice and truth provoked God’s judgment. Yet, Micah also stands as a model of faithfulness, empowered by the Spirit to declare God’s Word. This chapter warns us against selfish ambition and calls us to live with integrity and compassion.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Micah 3

Rulers Denounced

      1And I said,
“Hear now, heads of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel.
Is it not for you to know justice?

      2“You who hate good and love evil,
Who tear off their skin from them
And their flesh from their bones,

      3Who eat the flesh of my people,
Strip off their skin from them,
Break their bones
And chop them up as for the pot
And as meat in a kettle.”

      4Then they will cry out to the LORD,
But He will not answer them.
Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time
Because they have practiced evil deeds.

      5Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray;
When they have something to bite with their teeth,
They cry, “Peace,”
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths
They declare holy war.

      6Therefore it will be night for you—without vision,
And darkness for you—without divination.
The sun will go down on the prophets,
And the day will become dark over them.

      7The seers will be ashamed
And the diviners will be embarrassed.
Indeed, they will all cover their mouths
Because there is no answer from God.

      8On the other hand I am filled with power—
With the Spirit of the LORD
And with justice and courage
To make known to Jacob his rebellious act,
Even to Israel his sin.

      9Now hear this, heads of the house of Jacob
And rulers of the house of Israel,
Who abhor justice
And twist everything that is straight,

      10Who build Zion with bloodshed
And Jerusalem with violent injustice.

      11Her leaders pronounce judgment for a bribe,
Her priests instruct for a price
And her prophets divine for money.
Yet they lean on the LORD saying,
“Is not the LORD in our midst?
Calamity will not come upon us.”

      12Therefore, on account of you
Zion will be plowed as a field,
Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins,
And the mountain of the temple will become high places of a forest.

Reflection on Micah 3:

  • The Failure of Corrupt Leadership:
    The chapter opens with a condemnation of leaders who should have pursued justice but instead exploited the people (Micah 3:1-4). Their greed and indifference revealed hearts far from God. Are you using your influence to uplift others, or are you pursuing self-interest?
  • False Prophets and Their Deception:
    The false prophets of Micah’s time spoke words that aligned with their personal gain rather than God’s truth (Micah 3:5-7). This highlights the danger of prioritizing comfort over conviction. Are you discerning the voices you follow, ensuring they align with God’s Word?
  • Micah’s Faithful Witness:
    In contrast to the corrupt leaders, Micah boldly proclaims God’s Word, empowered by the Spirit (Micah 3:8). He exemplifies the courage and integrity needed to stand for truth. Are you seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to live and speak with integrity?
  • God’s Judgment on Corruption:
    Micah warns that because of the leaders’ actions, Zion will be destroyed (Micah 3:9-12). This sobering reminder shows the consequences of ignoring God’s standards. Are you committed to pursuing justice and righteousness in all areas of your life?

Summary Key Points:

  • Leadership Requires Justice: Leaders are called to serve with integrity and compassion.
  • Beware of False Prophets: Test messages against God’s Word to avoid deception.
  • Boldly Speak the Truth: Rely on the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s truth with courage.
  • Corruption Has Consequences: Ignoring God’s standards leads to judgment and destruction.
  • Live with Integrity: Reflect God’s character in your influence and actions.

Application:
Reflect on your areas of influence, whether in leadership, family, or community. Are you acting with justice, kindness, and humility? Surrender selfish ambition to God and ask for the Spirit’s guidance to live with integrity. Be intentional in discerning the voices you follow, ensuring they align with Scripture. Commit to standing boldly for truth, even in the face of opposition.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to lead and live with integrity, justice, and truth. Forgive us for the times we have failed to reflect Your character. Empower us by Your Spirit to stand boldly for truth and to use our influence to uplift and serve others. Help us to discern Your voice and live in alignment with Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional reminds us to pursue justice, live with integrity, and rely on the Spirit’s guidance to lead and influence others in alignment with God’s truth.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda


Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

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