THE RISE AND FALL

Standard historical insight, both biblical and otherwise, reminds us of the reasons for the rise and fall of countries, cultures, religion and individuals. These are always important so we may examine our times and our ways. Micah the Prophet wrote, “Listen to me, you leaders of Israel!  You hate justice and twist all that is right. You are building Jerusalem on a foundation of murder and corruption. You rulers make decisions based on bribes; you priests teach God’s laws only for a price; you prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid. Yet all of you claim to depend on the LORD. “No harm can come to us,” you say, “for the LORD is here among us.” Because of you, Mount Zion will be plowed like an open field; Jerusalem will be reduced to ruins! A thicket will grow on the heights where the Temple now stands” (Micah 3:9-12).

These are pretty much the steps and formula for destruction and ruin whether it be Zion, Jerusalem, Washington DC, Sacramento, Paris, London, Mexico City, Hong Kong, or a person. When any live with these traits and then say, “God Bless Us,” or “In God we Trust,” or “God is on our side,” while practicing these cultural, political and religious traits, they should also know there will surely be chaos and hell to pay.

Micah also wrote, “and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
(First appeared in Red Mountain Journal 17 years ago, July 2009. Bible translation was changed for a clearer message.)

“Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus