This sermon by Pastor Austin Duncan covered Micah 1:2-9. God pronounces judgment on Israel and Judah for their disobedience and sinfulness against Him. The first two verses focus on how God is sovereign above the heavens and earth, yet still comes down to meet His people where they are. Verses 3 and 4 cover the judgment that no longer feels distant when the Lord comes which is terrifying for sinners like us. Micah’s message shocked the Israelites because they thought that God was pronouncing judgment on their enemies- Assyria and Babylon. However, God was declaring judgment on the Israelites due to their unfaithfulness and corrupt worship. Pastor Duncan emphasized that the judgment first begins in the house of God. Verses 8 to 9 illustrate how Micah responded to the coming judgment. The prophet weeped, understanding that God’s people deserved judgment. The ultimate model of compassion is Christ, and when we reflect on the incoming judgment that the world will face, we should be in tears like Micah and Jesus.
This message is particularly applicable to us sinners today, because we know that the sinful world will soon be facing God’s wrath. As the tumultuous year of 2020 comes to a close, we are reminded of how fallen the world is by the many events that occurred and are currently happening. It is all too easy for Christians to look forward to the coming judgment of non-believers and think that the world deserves punishment. However, Pastor Duncan’s point about how the house of God will be judged first resonated deeply with me. The judgment of a perfect and holy God is terrifying, and even though we are sinners saved by grace, we still deserve the Lord’s judgment. We are no better than those who reject the Gospel; it is God in His mercy who chose to save us. Therefore, the coming judgment on the world should sadden us, just like how Micah and Christ cried.
From this passage, I am reminded to guard my heart against judgment and pride in my attitude towards non-believers. There is no reason for us as Christians to be judgmental or prideful, since we are sinners prone to wrongdoing also. Instead, just like how Micah was in tears for the Israelites and how Christ showed compassion towards everyone, we should be mourning for the world. Ultimately, we are also sinners who deserve God’s wrath, and as we go about our daily lives, we should be saddened when thinking about judgment. Likewise, we should constantly reflect on what a blessing it is to be saved and adopted into God’s family instead of facing His wrath because Christ paid it all for us.
11.6.2020 Fall 2020 Week Five
Samantha Kan
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