The Final Word - Monday, December 14 (Advent 2020)

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
Micah 7:18-20

Reading Micah’s prophecies is a challenge of endurance. Back and forth like a divine pendulum, the prophet alternates harsh words of condemnation for God’s rebellious children to tender appeals of comfort and restoration. It leaves the reader asking: Which is it? Mercy or wrath? Pardon or punishment?

In the middle of it all (5:2), God makes his own surprise announcement: God is sending the Leader of His own choosing, the One from Ancient Days, to step in, over, and above the competition. He is a Leader beyond compare for a task beyond measure. He will step in and finish the task of Israel’s long-forgotten mission to be a blessing to all nations.

How will it all end? Micah closes his scroll with words of incredible promise and hope: pardon, relenting of divine anger, and the casting of our sins into the heart of the sea. The shepherd comes not just to lead the flock, but to cleanse and restore it.

Behold the Lamb of God, who came as an infant in Bethlehem, and takes away the sin of the world - far away.

Lord Jesus, thank you for compassionately carrying my sins far from God’s sight. Amen.

Rev. Robert Gebel
Milwaukee, Wisconsin