It’s no fun to be a prophet. I’m not usually cast in that role, but I have a few times. I’d rather not live in that position. In biblical terms, a prophet isn’t necessarily one who predicts the future, but someone who tells the hard truth. Prophets see things in black and white.
People don’t like to be told the hard truth of their shortcomings.
Micah was a prophet who foretold of the fall of Israel and Judah. More so, though, Micah told the hard truth of the sins of both Israel and Judah (remember, Israel and Judah were originally one country, but a civil war split the country in two after the death of Solomon). Like most of the prophets of the bible, Micah had mainly bad news to share with his audience. Mixed within all the hard news, though, was a ray of hope.
Take this as an example:
I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against him. But after that, he will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies. The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness. -Micah 7:9 NLT
This is definitely a mixed story of hard and positive news. Punishment is coming for my sin, but after the pain will be justice, light and righteousness. It’s very possible you personally are experiencing the pain of your own sin. It could be broken relationships, financial hardship or physical suffering.
That’s the hard truth. You reap what you sow. Sin always comes back to bite us with negative consequences.
The good news mixed in with the negative is the pain brought about by sin is just for a season. Eventually it will pass, and then God will take up your case. Jesus will bring you into his light. You will experience the grace of God!
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