May 16, 2021: Walk This Way –Dave Neuhausel

Micah begins on a tear against the leaders of Israel and he goes on for some time. He announces God’s fierce anger against them for their constant injustice. He says, “Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness” (3:9,10). As you read his poetry, his words spoken it is sobering and upsetting. Sobering because of its seriousness. Upsetting because of the injustice spoken against. If there is any prophetic book that speaks in a way to stir up the anger of the reader, it is Micah. But then something happens … kindness, compassion. 

This comes not from Micah, but from God. There is a certain sorrow in God’s anger. Like a loving parent who watches their child head down a destructive path, there is an ache, a love, a longing that things will change. Because the parent knows, if things do not change destruction will be the outcome. This is the heart of God reflected here. Anger with ache. It is from this place that God invites the people back to relationship - not through religious ritual but through a life, a way of walking (See: Halachah) - one that reflects justice, loving-kindness and humility.