The Tribune

By REV ANGELA PALACIOUS

I THINK that we can identify with the prophet Micah when he laments the state of his nation in Micah 7:1-7 New International Version (NIV): “What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave. 2 The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets.”

There are days when reading or watching the news gives the impression there are no upright people remaining. We have to work hard to remember what percentage of the country is being classified as murderers or we will become depressed, disillusioned and sink into despair.

Micah goes on to describe widespread corruption, and that too is what the cynics promote as truth about all in leadership in our country: “3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire—they all conspire together. 4 The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge.”

We have to speak more positively about those who are doing great things in church and state, and not remain silent during conversations that become truly negative with generalized criticism, half-truths, exaggeration and downright lies in some instances when we know otherwise.

He warns his own people that: “The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.” Let us learn from their mistakes before our day of reckoning comes. For them it was invasion by a foreign army, for us it is invasion by forces bringing guns, drugs, immorality and criminal activity.

Micah paints a picture of the total breakdown of family life and civil society. Every relationship has become contaminated. “5 Do not trust a neighbour; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. 6 For a son dishonours his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—

a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” Before we sink to this level of social degradation let us pray for loving hearts, forgiving spirits and focused minds. Let us protect the most precious treasures that we have, which are our family members and friends.

His final consolation is that his relationship with the Lord is still intact, and this needs to be our source of hope and strength as well. He writes: “7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me.”

This is the light that is constant in any time of darkness. This has to be our attitude and our message. There is joy and peace in salvation.

Not only is this to be our personal position, but this is a call to evangelise, to tell other people about a loving Saviour who died on the cross for them. This is the true light which came into a sin-darkened world, and which continues to come into the life of everyone who confesses sin, acknowledges the need for a saviour and indicates a willingness to follow Jesus as Lord.

It is the light in us that draws other to the Lord by lighting up the darkness wherever it is found.