"Don't Say Such Things"

“Don’t say such things,” the people respond. “Don’t prophesy like that. Such disasters will never come our way!” Should you talk that way, O family of Israel? Will the LORD’s Spirit have patience with such behavior? If you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting. [Micah 2.6-7]

This passage is interesting. 

Micah, speaking for God, just finished saying that bad things would be happening because of disobedience. But the people didn't want to hear "such things."

Why didn't the people want to hear God's message? Because they were proud and did not want to repent!

But how would they find comfort in those same words ("such things")?

The call to repentance is the message of a loving Father Who wants to spare His children from the pending suffering for disobedience. God finds no pleasure in punishment!

The obedient child who has lost his way will hear the call to repentance, repent, and be restored to the right path. THAT is where the comfort is!

God's call to repentance is not a harsh thing! It is a comforting thing - but ONLY to those whose hearts are His.

Repentance is a good thing. It is the avenue God has provided us all to be restored to right relationship with Him, and, in so doing, avoid bad things (curses).

That is why a repentant heart is so important. That is why a lifestyle of repentance is good.

Repentance is a faith response! We must remember that the only thing that pleases God is faith. Repentance is a faith statement that, 1) I have sinned (whether I knew it or not), 2) my Father has made me aware of it (call to repentance), and so 3) I ask forgiveness and turn away from whatever it is.

God's natural response to our genuine repentance is to shield us from the curse "earned" by our disobedience.

This is exactly the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is exactly why Christ Himself began His ministry with these words, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" 

Repentance is the very beginning of faith.

I will go so far as to say that faith is powerless without the 'validation stamp' of repentance.

The ONLY reason a person would refuse to repent is pride. That is exactly what the Bible reveals about Job. Only when Job acknowledged his pride and repented was he restored.

The call to repentance is comforting to the humble. It is comforting because it leads to healing and restoration.

It is worth noting that sometimes our call to repentance is simply a call to repent for faithlessness (and perhaps not a sin of commission (lying, stealing, cheating, etc...)). Not fully trusting in Jesus is sin just like telling a lie - both avail us to curses - both require repentance.

But many will say, "Don't say such things!"

Father, once again, I am reminded of the importance of a repentant lifestyle. Forgive me for my arrogance and pride. Forgive me for fearing anything but You. Thank You for calling me to repentance!