God's Love, Justice, and Our Call to Action

Devotional

Day 1: The Danger of Premeditated Sin and Abusing Power

God warns against those who intentionally plan evil, covet what is not theirs, and use their power to exploit others, especially when it comes at the expense of the vulnerable. When sin becomes so normalized that it is plotted in the night and carried out in the light without shame, hearts have grown cold and distant from God. The Lord sees not only our actions but also the intentions of our hearts, and He promises that those who persist in such deliberate wrongdoing will face His justice. Let us examine our own lives for any area where we have grown comfortable with sin or have used our influence in ways that harm others, and seek repentance and restoration. [01:17:19]

Micah 2:1-2 (ESV)
Woe to those who devise wickedness
and work evil on their beds!
When the morning dawns, they perform it,
because it is in the power of their hand.
They covet fields and seize them,
and houses, and take them away;
they oppress a man and his house,
a man and his inheritance.

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you have justified or ignored a pattern of sin because it benefits you? What would it look like to bring this into the light and seek God’s forgiveness today?

Day 2: Rejecting God’s Word and the Danger of Spiritual Delusion

When people reject the truth of God’s Word and instead seek out messages that only affirm their desires, they become spiritually numb and open themselves to deception. God’s people are called to listen to His voice, even when it challenges or convicts, rather than seeking teachers who only “tickle their ears.” True spiritual health comes from aligning with God’s truth, not from comfort or national pride, and ignoring God’s warnings can lead to devastating consequences. Let us be a people who welcome the whole counsel of God, allowing His Spirit to shape us in both grace and truth. [01:31:26]

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV)
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Reflection: Are you open to God’s correction, even when it is uncomfortable, or do you find yourself seeking only affirming voices? How can you intentionally invite God’s truth to challenge you this week?

Day 3: God’s Faithfulness to the Remnant and the Promise of the Shepherd

Even when many turn away, God always preserves a faithful remnant and promises to gather His people like a shepherd gathers his sheep. No matter how scattered or hopeless things may seem, the Lord will not abandon those who seek Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls His own by name, leads them to safety, and restores their souls. In every generation, God’s faithfulness endures, and He invites us to trust Him as our Shepherd and King, finding our hope and rest in His presence. [01:39:38]

John 10:11, 14-16 (ESV)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Reflection: In what ways do you need to trust Jesus as your Shepherd today? Is there an area of your life where you need to let Him gather, lead, or restore you?

Day 4: The Lord’s Table: A Place Where All Are Welcome

The Lord’s Supper is a powerful reminder that everyone who belongs to Jesus is welcome at His table, regardless of background or past. It is a time to celebrate forgiveness, unity, and the hope of eternal life, as well as a moment to examine our hearts and seek reconciliation with God and others. The table is not just a ritual, but a place of healing, restoration, and anticipation of the day when we will feast with Christ in His kingdom. As we come to the table, let us do so with gratitude, humility, and a commitment to love as He has loved us. [29:47]

Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV)
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or be reconciled with before coming to the Lord’s table? How can you make peace and celebrate the unity Christ offers today?

Day 5: Living as God’s People: Repentance, Humility, and Following the King

God calls His people not to stubbornness or resistance, but to repentance and humility, following Jesus as our Shepherd and King. It is not enough to bear the name of Christ; we are called to live as His people, seeking His will and reflecting His character in our actions. When we stray, God invites us to return, to be led by Him, and to experience the breakthrough and transformation that only He can bring. Let us commit ourselves anew to be the sheep of His pasture, following wherever He leads, and trusting Him to be our breakthrough, our Shepherd, and our King. [01:44:14]

Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Reflection: What is one area where you have been stubborn or resistant to God’s leading? What step of repentance or obedience can you take today to follow Jesus more closely?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the love and forgiveness that God has shown us through Jesus Christ. We remembered that, though our sins may be as scarlet, they can be washed white as snow because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. This is a love that lays down its life for others, and it is the foundation of our hope and joy. We also took time to welcome new faces, connect as a church family, and support ministries that reach out to those in need—especially the special needs camp and disaster relief efforts. Our giving and service are tangible ways we extend the welcome of Christ to all.

As we prepared our hearts for the Lord’s Supper, we reflected on the open invitation Jesus gives to all who believe in Him. This table is a place of healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It is a reminder that we are called to examine our hearts, seek reconciliation, and draw near to God and one another. The Lord’s Supper is not just a ritual, but a powerful encounter with the living Christ, who promises to be with us always.

Turning to the book of Micah, we saw a sobering warning to God’s people. The passage exposed the dangers of premeditated sin, abuse of power, and spiritual complacency. The people of Micah’s day had become so comfortable in their wrongdoing that they no longer felt shame or conviction. Leaders, both political and religious, were complicit in injustice, and the poor and vulnerable suffered as a result. God’s response was clear: He would bring justice, and those who had stolen and oppressed would lose their inheritance.

Yet, even in judgment, God’s faithfulness shines through. There is always a remnant—a group who seeks God in spirit and truth. The promise of a coming Shepherd and King points us to Jesus, who gathers His people, restores their souls, and leads them into true rest. We are called not to be stubborn or resistant, but to be repentant and willing to follow Christ as our Shepherd and King. In Him, we find hope, restoration, and the assurance that God will never abandon His people.

Key Takeaways

1. Premeditated Sin and Spiritual Numbness: When sin becomes habitual and unrepented, it dulls our conscience and leads us to justify or even celebrate wrongdoing. God warns that deliberate, ongoing sin—especially when it harms others—will not go unnoticed. We must regularly examine our hearts and refuse to let sin become normalized in our lives. [77:19]
2. The Danger of Complicity and Silence: In Micah’s time, not only did the powerful abuse their position, but those who should have spoken for justice—the priests and prophets—remained silent or preached what people wanted to hear. Silence in the face of injustice is itself a form of participation. God calls His people to stand for righteousness, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular. [81:21]
3. Rejecting the Word and the Messenger: The people dismissed Micah’s warnings, convinced that their status as God’s people would shield them from consequences. This spiritual delusion is dangerous; assuming God’s favor while ignoring His commands leads to ruin. True security is found in aligning our lives with God’s Word, not in religious identity or national pride. [85:20]
4. God’s Justice Mirrors Our Actions: The principle of “what you sow, you will reap” is evident in God’s response to Israel’s injustice. Those who steal, oppress, or exploit will find themselves facing the same loss and shame they inflicted on others. God’s justice is not arbitrary; it is a reflection of His holiness and His desire for His people to reflect His character. [83:14]
5. The Hope of the Shepherd and the Remnant: Even when God’s people fail, He does not abandon them. There is always a remnant who seeks Him, and the promise of a Shepherd-King—Jesus—remains. In Christ, we find restoration, guidance, and the assurance that God gathers, protects, and leads His people into everlasting peace. Our hope is not in our own faithfulness, but in the faithfulness of our Shepherd. [99:38]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
[04:30] - Announcements and Family Updates
[10:15] - Special Needs Camp and Benevolent Offering
[14:00] - Video: Everyone Belongs at the Table
[16:00] - Preparing for the Lord’s Supper
[25:32] - Lord’s Supper: Invitation and Reflection
[29:47] - Worship and Prayer
[50:40] - Celebrating Jerusha’s 88th Birthday
[56:40] - Reading from Matthew 26
[68:24] - Communion and Thanksgiving
[74:21] - Introduction to Micah: Warning and Hope
[75:56] - The Sin of Premeditation and Abuse of Power
[81:21] - God’s Justice and the Loss of Inheritance
[85:20] - Rejecting the Word and Spiritual Delusion
[89:26] - False Prophets and the Danger of Ear-Tickling
[94:06] - The Remnant and the Promise of the Shepherd
[99:38] - Jesus: Our Shepherd and King
[104:14] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[108:35] - Welcoming New Members
[110:26] - Deacon Introduction and Blessing
[113:02] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Micah 2:1-13 (ESV) — > 1 Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand.
> 2 They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.
> 3 Therefore thus says the LORD: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster.
> ...
> 12 I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will gather the remnant of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men.
> 13 He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king passes on before them, the LORD at their head.

John 10:11 (ESV) — > I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Matthew 26:26-29 (ESV) — > 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
> 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you,
> 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
> 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Observation Questions

In Micah 2:1-2, what specific actions are the people being condemned for? How does the passage describe the attitude behind their actions?
According to the sermon, what was the role of the leaders (both political and religious) in the injustice happening in Micah’s day?
What does Jesus say about Himself in John 10:11, and how does this connect to the hope offered at the end of Micah 2?
When Jesus invites His followers to the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26, what does He say the bread and cup represent?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon describes “premeditated sin” as something people can become numb to over time. Why is this kind of sin especially dangerous for a community or church?
The leaders in Micah’s time were silent or complicit in injustice. What are some reasons people might stay silent when they see wrongdoing, even in a church setting?
The people in Micah’s day assumed that being “God’s people” would protect them from consequences, even as they ignored God’s commands. How can this same attitude show up in our lives or churches today?
The promise of a Shepherd-King is given to a “remnant” who seek God. What does it mean to be part of this remnant, and how does Jesus fulfill this promise?

Application Questions

The sermon warns about letting sin become “normal” in our lives. Is there a habit or attitude you’ve become numb to that you need to bring before God? What would it look like to honestly examine your heart this week?
When have you been tempted to stay silent about something wrong because it was uncomfortable or unpopular to speak up? What would it look like to stand for what’s right, even if it costs you?
The people in Micah’s day justified their actions by pointing to their religious identity. Are there ways you’ve relied on your “status” as a Christian instead of actually following Jesus’ commands? How can you realign your life with God’s Word?
The Lord’s Supper is described as a place of healing, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. When you take communion, do you use it as a time to seek reconciliation with God and others? Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from before you come to the table again?
The sermon talks about giving and serving as ways to extend the welcome of Christ to all, especially those in need. What is one practical way you can serve or give this week to someone who might feel left out or overlooked?
Jesus is called the Good Shepherd who gathers, restores, and leads His people. In what area of your life do you need to let Jesus lead you right now? What would it look like to follow Him as your Shepherd and King?
The message ends with a call not to be stubborn or resistant, but to be repentant and willing to follow Christ. Is there a step of obedience or repentance you’ve been putting off? What’s holding you back, and how can your group pray for you in this?

Sermon Clips

When we look at this shepherd and we look at this king at the end of this sermon, the one who breaks us free of our sin and our bondage, that's Jesus. So as I preach this, even though it's Old Testament text, I want you to see Jesus all over this. Even though our sins may be great, even though there's injustice and unrighteousness all around the world, Jesus is still Jesus. And if you turn to him, you can be forgiven. And if you turn to him, he will be your king. And if you turn to him, he will be your great shepherd. [01:14:38]

So listen, what God is saying is premeditated sin is a big deal. They are premeditating their sin. This is not like, man, I messed up. This is not like, I've just been enticing this sin and I just, I know what's wrong. I'm trying to overcome it. Some of us may be facing that stuff. So I don't, I'm not giving you a pass, but I want you to know, this is like deliberate. I want to do that. And now they've gotten so used to it. It's in their dreams. They've gotten so used to it that they can lay down their head and fall asleep at peace. They've gotten so used to it that they'll just do it in the middle of the day and they don't care who's watching. [01:17:14]

God tells us that the land is his promise. It comes with his presence. It comes with his peace. And it comes with his provisions. God promised that to every single believer. I still think that stands true too. God does want to bless you. When you honor him. When you live for him. I do believe that God wants to take care of you. And he promises things. And the greatest promise he's given us in the New Testament is he will never forsake you. He will always be with you. No matter what we go through. He doesn't promise us that everything is going to be okay. But he promises us, whatever you go through, I'm with you. [01:23:42]

He's promised us that this world is not it. There's more than this. And when you die, it just begins. There'll be no more sorrow. There'll be no more pain. There'll be no more tears. There'll be no more death. Because we're in the land of the living, we have not experienced that. But that is the promise of God's presence. And that is the eternal promise of the gift of salvation Jesus gives us. [01:24:23]

The Spirit of the Lord will not always look the other way. He is impatient, and he is a jealous God, and he will want to make sure that we are living righteous, because we bear his name. Church of Jesus Christ, we bear the name of Christ. That song we sang, you're a child of God. You bear his name. You're a son or daughter of the King. He wants you to represent his kingdom well. So make sure we're doing those things. [01:29:04]

Our God is a God of grace and truth. So there has to be a mixture of both. In fact, Jesus came in grace and truth. So when we see Jesus, we should think, what is his truth? And then he gives us the grace to be able to work towards that truth. That to me is a true church. [01:33:28]

We're not here to tickle ears. We're not to appease the flesh. We're not to be intoxicated on things. And your pastor, I will promise you this. I've never been drunk in the pulpit. And I mean that by this. I've never been drunk to where I am preaching you a false message. And you should expect that of me. I will never drink the beer and wine of this world. I will only intoxicate myself on the things of the Spirit. And so should you. [01:33:47]

What a sad day. You have become my enemy. Imagine him saying, Lexington Park Baptist Church, you've become my enemy. You are doing the total opposite against what I have called you to be and called you to do. [01:34:26]

Whatever grieves God should grieve you. Whatever grieves God should grieve you. God does not want us to be robbing the innocent. He does not want us to be exploiting the poor. He does not want us to abandon the orphan or the widow. They have lost their peace, and they have lost their place because of their behavior. [01:36:24]

Now here's the hope. There's a remnant that God will call back. There's a remnant that God will see and will use. I believe that in every generation, there's always going to be a true remnant of God. There will be some that put up a shingle and claim God that are not of God. There will be some people that will claim God but don't know God. But there will always be a remnant. There will always be those that seek to live for God in truth and in spirit, as Jesus taught us in John chapter 4. [01:36:47]

Micah closes the chapter with this great hope that God will not abandon His people. No matter how bad it gets, no matter how unrighteous it may seem, God will never abandon His people. If there is a remnant that's left, God is there. If there's a Micah that preaches, God is there. If there are stones and no one else will preach, the stones will cry out. That's what the Scripture says. God will not be silent of His message of righteousness and truth. It will always be there. May we never be silent to where the rocks cry out. [01:38:13]

God will collect His people like that. And we will come back and we will follow Him. And He's telling them that someday I will collect you all like a sheep in a pen. I will gather you together even though you're scattered. Even though you seem like there's no hope, there is hope. There's a shepherd that's coming. [01:39:41]

Jesus calls Himself the great shepherd. He's actually connecting Himself, some would say, back to Micah. He will collect you together. He will be your shepherd. He will be the one who will come for His people. He will be the one that will lead them through the gate into the pen of safety. Jesus is that. He will gather His own. I believe that's the church. Anyone that's a true believer in the church of Jesus Christ, we are part of His sheep. He is our great shepherd. [01:40:10]

We should see that Jesus is our shepherd. We should see that Jesus is our king. We should see that He is our leader. And as we do that, there's great hope. [01:41:49]

So how do we pull this together at the end? I want to encourage you if you're here today. And you know, maybe you're struggling with something. God is still the same God that's saying, I'm your shepherd. I'm here to break through for you. I'm here to help you. I'm here to lead you. What we need to do is just follow Him as our great shepherd, as our king, as our Lord. As we do that, then we come out and we should start to be more like Jesus. [01:41:59]

If I encourage you today of anything, don't be like the people of Micah. Be like the sheep that Jesus wants to lead. Be like we've experienced a breakthrough and that God is leading us as our king. I pray as we do that, they will not. You will find that in this text. Unfortunately, the people will not do that. They'll be reform at the last moment. Why are God's people so stubborn to follow Him? Don't be stubborn. Be repentant. Don't be resistant. Be repentant. [01:42:25]

Maybe you need to settle something with God. Maybe you've never been saved and you need to give your life to Jesus Christ. I'm going to encourage you to come up and do that today. Maybe you need to join the church. There's some of you that have been talking to me about that. I need to join the church. I know I need to be a part of this church. Then come forward. You can come down at the end. And if you've never been baptized by a believer's baptism, what are you waiting on? [01:42:59]

We thank you that you're our breakthrough. We thank you that you're our shepherd. We thank you that you're our king. Maybe learn from the people of Micah's day that we cannot defy you. Listening to what we want to hear, we cannot save our own necks. Because doing just what we want to own, what we do, will not keep us from shame. Just because we call ourselves children of God, if we don't live like that, that doesn't mean there will be no consequences. It's the same that it was for them, the same for us. So may we be committed to be your people. May we be your shepherd in your pasture. May we be your sheep that are in your pen. May you be the great shepherd that leads us to the way everlasting. And God, may you be our king. May you pass by us today. May we see you in our presence. And we say, I'm going to follow the king of kings. Jesus, that's you. [01:43:39]

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