The Lodestar

Prophet Micah ministered in Judah eight centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. He lived in a society that had collapsed morally, socially, and spiritually.

People had no respect for life. So, the prophet lamented: "The godly has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among mankind; they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net" (Micah 7:2). The people would kill and steal for their gains disregarding all social norms.

Corruption had hit new heights as bribes, not legal norms, ran the society: "Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe, and the great man utters the evil desire of his soul; thus they weave it together" (Micah 7:3).

Mutual trust had collapsed, so Micah advised against trusting even spouses. "Guard the doors of your mouth," he said, "from her who lies in your arms" (Micah 7:5).

In ancient societies, the older people commanded the respect of the younger ones. But Micah lived in a society where people disregarded all these long-cherished values: "For the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house" (Micah 7:6).

Micah's eighth society sounds very much like the world today. We exist in a social, moral, and spiritual mire. The only difference is in how we respond to this situation.

Micah lived and preached with confidence. He did not throw up his hands in defeat. But instead of waiting for the changes to happen in their own time, he trusted in the Lord, who controls everything.

Instead of gazing at the decadent society and dispirited, he directed his eyes to the Lord, confident that He would change the situation when the saints cried out to Him.

Contemporary society has moved far away from God's plan. Angst has a rightful place, but it is useless without praying for change and asking God to intervene. When we see the ills of our society, let us seek the Lord, "Have mercy."