SCRIP-BITS

Micah 3:4.    Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a brand new morn, and I sure hope we all uttered a few words of praise and thanks to the Almighty when we opened our eyes and realized that we were still alive. I’m also encouraging us to make that an everyday habit because every day we live is essentially a blessing of God, and we should show a little gratitude. But then you’ll wonder, if a new day is a blessing from Almighty God, why are so many Christians struggling, living in dire poverty and being innocently persecuted, while the wicked are also being blessed with life, and with prosperity?  But Friends, the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His plans encompass more than we are capable of understanding. Ours is not to question why, just to believe and obey. However, as the Lord has promised, in the fullness of time, when He is ready, the wicked shall receive their just deserts. Chapter 3 of Micah deals with the judgement of Israel’s leaders, who, at that time, were rather wicked, perverse and ungodly, just like so many of those ruling around the world today. And as the Lord asked of the leaders, through Micah, way back then: ‘Is it not for you to know judgement (justice)? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck (strip) off their skin from off them (My people), and their flesh from off their bones; Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the cauldron.’  (Mic.3:1-3) Yes my brethren, our leaders are supposed to know and impart justice to those under their rule. However, just like in Micah’s time, the leaders are constantly abusing their powers, taking advantage of the people, oppressing and persecuting them for personal gain, and only paying lip-service to both man and God, while their hearts are filled with great evil, most pleasing to Beelzebub. But Friends, when the day of judgement arrives, when the Lord decides to end the travesty of justice that’s currently being perpetrated on His people, the leaders, the greedy and evil wealthy shall be made to pay. In that time, as our Bit says, they shall make petition to the Lord for mercy: ‘Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill (been evil) in their doings (deeds).’ Yes my people, make no mistake, the evil and wicked and ungodly will eventually get their comeuppance. Remember the Lord is faithful and keeps His promises, so if He’s promised that the wicked will pay at some stage, then know that they will. To aid our faith, let’s recall a few of those times He’s promised vindication to the righteous. ‘They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as (fine as) the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.’ (Ps.18:41-42) That’s Bruh David talking about God delivering him from his enemies. And Cousin Sol rightly declares: ‘Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early (diligently), but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.’ (Prov.1:28-29) Meanwhile, Isaiah, in his call to repentance for the sinful nation of Judah, said to them: ‘And when ye spread forth your hands (pray), I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood (bloodshed).’ (Is,1:15) Yes Friends, all that stuff that was happening in Judah back then, plus much worse is currently happening in our society, but our God is patient and long-suffering. He gives us plenty rope to either hang ourselves or to change our evil ways. So when He’s ready to implement judgement, we can’t complain that we didn’t have enough time. And it’s not like the Lord warns us in language we can’t understand. He says it plainly and doesn’t mince matters at all. Listen as Jeremiah informs his backsliding people of God’s intentions: ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil (calamity) upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.’  (Jer.11:11)  There’s nothing in that to misunderstand, and it’s not a new principle. If you’re continually disobedient toward the Lord, you will eventually be punished. Oh my people, I know it’s hard to watch the wicked prosper, while the righteous suffer, but take heart, for their day will surely come as the Lord has promised. Unfortunately though, it seems some of that retribution has already begun judging from all the problems we’ve been recently having: worldwide strife and violence, wars and rumours of wars, natural disasters a plenty, economic destabilization and downturn, the oppressed not only crying out for freedom, but willing to die for it. Yes my brethren something is afoot worldwide, and the Lord is in control, but in the meantime we need to stand steadfast and strong, keep doing what is right, knowing that our salvation is secure, doing our best to live the life God has designed for us. So as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) is wont to say, let’s: ‘Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him. That’s wisdom at its best.’ And in fact, that’s all our God asks of us. Much LOVE!…But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely…and shall be quiet (secure, at ease) from fear of evil…(Prov.1:33)