A Forgiven Remnant

Micah 7:18–20 NASB95

18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. 19 He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea. 20 You will give truth to Jacob And unchanging love to Abraham, Which You swore to our forefathers From the days of old.

Character of Forgiveness

Confirmation of Forgiveness

His Capacity to Forgive

His Commitment to Forgive

Micah was a prophet who preached during late half of the 8th century B.C., which means he preached during the same time as prophets Isaiah and Hosea. They were all preexilic prophets, and heavily warned of the coming judgment. Micah preached to both capitals Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah) primarily. The scene of these places was so messed up that Micah cried out “Woe is me” or “How miserable I am”, because he felt like he couldn’t find nobody with an ounce of good. He recognized just punishment was coming, and it was coming fast for Israel. Not just on them, but he would have to suffer it too!!! He confesses his own sins in verse 9. Knowing for certain that such a great calamity is coming, could leave one very low in spirit. To the point where some give up hope before dealing with it. But then Micah, closing out his book, finds a moment to praise because he deeply understands his God’s loving, faithful, and forgiving relationship with his remnant people. In regard to this series, I want us to understand and praise the fact that God’s Remnant People are “A Forgiven Remnant”.

Character of Forgiveness

His praise can be immediately recognized by the rhetorical question he asks in verse 18. Which interestingly is what Micah’s name means. “Who is a GOD like You?” He addresses GOD directly, which shows praise. After the Spirit had filled his mind, mouth, and hands with all those words of judgment, it could be difficult to think of praise. Because Israel and Judah had reached a great level of misunderstanding their GOD. But the prophet remembers, he considers the great and forgiving character of GOD. He’s not implying that another GOD exists, he’s rebuking all ridiculousness that another GOD exists, yet praising GOD.

He knows there’s not other GOD, and certainly any claimed aren’t like GOD. Because God’s character is shown in how he pardons and passes over. The idea of pardon is lifting up or carrying away. The idea of iniquity includes the act of sin, but also the guilt and consequence all as one unit (the act isn’t heavy on us, but guilt and consequence is, Gen 4:13). Rebellious act is simply activity that violates what’s forbidden, and God’s character is disregarding it!! But who does he do this for? Those who remain or are faithful leftovers from his people!!

Application: We might be heading into a trial, in one, micro and macro level. If we trust GOD, and take refuge in him, we must remember like Micah, God’s character to forgive. It is how he is. Praise you GOD!!! Thank you GOD!! Nothing or no one has such great character of forgiveness.

Micah continues his praise, but now addresses readers, because he now speaks of GOD in the third person. Thus he provides this for our reminder. What’s that? He doesn’t hold on to his anger! Because he is most please in his love that never double crosses! He’s most pleased in loyalty!!

Application: GOD didn’t like what I did, what road I was on, ignoring him, etc. But don’t bring that up forever!!! Thank you GOD!!

Confirmation of Forgiveness

But obviously just mentioning God’s character wasn’t enough praise and encouragement. Because the next four actions speak futuristically, that is what GOD “WILL” do. Thus Micah is now speaking Confirmation of God’s Forgiveness. That’s Faith in him and the truth of his word!! First, he will again be compassionate, or have mercy. Which is what drives GOD to forgive! Titus 3:5, Paul confirms the same.

Application: We about to enter some trouble GOD has allowed, and it don’t seem like GOD will ever smile at me again. He WILL show mercy again, and again. His mercies are renewed.

His Capacity to Forgive

I’ve heard there are 3 primary ways to learn and retain information: audibly (30%), kinesthetic (5%), and visually (65%). Hands-on will have to happen when things are fulfilled. So Micah gives a visual, which illustrates God’s capacity and caliber (or extent and quality) to forgive. Just as a powerful army conquers and subdues another, that’s what GOD WILL do to our sin-guilt-consequence unit!!

Application: We are obviously too weak for sin and the guilt it brings. Our GOD and his Son are the champions!!

Then Micah shifts again and speaks directly to GOD, in praise and faith, with another illustration.

Illustration: The Mariana trench is deepest know ocean trench. 124 miles off the coast of Guam. Roughly 43 miles wide, 1500 miles long, and 7 miles deep.

World record for a boomerang is 1401 feet. Thus, God’s caliber and quality of forgiveness is far out of reach and out of sight.

His Commitment to Forgive

Then Micah ends with one last confirmation in praise to GOD, and that is he will give his faithfulness and loyal love to Jacob and Abraham, that is his people. Then he seals it by the commitment he gave to their ancestors. Thus, he is firm in confirmation because of God’s commitment, his promise to Abraham. And that was based on faith, not on geographic, national, or racial status, but of faith!!!