DO NOT MY WORDS DO YOU GOOD?
“O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?” Micah 2:7
Micah warned God’s people of the judgment that was coming to them because of their idolatry and rebellion. As part of his message, Micah asked the wayward nation this question: “do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?” God’s Words are good, and they are just. But, the blessings of God come to those who obey God’s Word and walk uprightly. It is obvious that those who are in rebellion will not experience the same measure of spiritual blessing as “him that walketh uprightly.” In appealing to the people, Micah spoke of the listener’s identity, saying, “O thou that art named the house of Jacob.” These were the descendents of the great patriarch and were called by his name. However, their piety, morals, and behavior were not consistent with their name.
We also need to be reminded at times of our identity and the responsibility that accompanies that privilege. It is one thing to be called a Christian, or be named by God’s name, but it is another thing to live up to that sacred honor. Those that belong to Christ have an obligation to bear His name in a worthy manner.
Micah pointed out that they had no interest in hearing from God. This backslidden nation told the prophets to keep silent. A person’s attitude about the Bible, and more specifically about Bible preaching, will tell you a great deal about their spiritual condition. When someone does not want to hear what God says, he is in serious trouble. Micah said that the Spirit of God in the prophets was “straitened,” which means God’s Spirit was grieved or shortened. He then asked the question, “do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?” Micah wanted them to see that God’s Word is good, and the fact that these people rejected His Word was evidence that their walk was not as it should be.
The same is true today. Those who prefer to live in rebellion and disobedience find God’s Word offensive and have no appetite for hearing the truth. For some, it is easier to silence God’s Word than to repent and get their hearts right. In contrast, to those who love God and want to live for Him, His Words are good and they will do good. There is nothing wrong in our day that old-fashioned repentance and obedience cannot fix.