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Amidst hardship and uncertainty, let us be humble and unwavering in faith, trusting in the mercy of God.

Though we may not understand God’s will for us, we must believe that God is in control of all things.

Despite the failings of God’s people as detailed in earlier chapters, Micah 4 opens with a victorious image of God as reigning over the nations. Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. Throughout the past few chapters, Judah’s human leaders, both political and spiritual, were rebuked harshly for their evil deeds. Yet in contrast, the reign of God brings about a state of peace. Rest. Protection. We see the imagery of this peace through the instruments of war changing into instruments of agriculture, and a quiet rest under the fruits of one’s labour. Even the ‘little ones’ in the nation will be cared for under God’s reign. Those whom the human rulers have abandoned, abused and taken advantage of, God will take them in and make them a strong nation. But this victorious era has yet to come for the people of Judah. Instead, they were facing a devastating tomorrow. One where the threat of the Babylonian exile lies on the horizon. However, God remains merciful and once again comforts His people that this is all part of His plan. That their true King has not abandoned them (Micah 4:9). Today, we may find ourselves growing weary, as we face the evil around us. Whether it be hatred, backbiting, idolatry, lewdness, drunkenness, etc. (Gal 5:19-21). With such growing evil, the future may seem likewise bleak. But if we let God reign in our life, we can be blessed! For example, the long draining work hours at the office doing repetitive tasks all for the hope of a promotion can become a meaningful mission to preach the gospel and shine as God’s light. Even suffering under a mean boss can become much less dreadful as we hold onto the hope that our King loves and will avenge the ‘little ones’ in His nation. Only, the question lies in whether we have let God reign in our lives.

It is human nature to compare ourselves with others. Whether it is with our friends, our family, or even people who we see on the internet. Some may argue that comparison is good because it allows us to see our weaknesses and motivates us to improve ourselves. However, oftentimes comparison stems from our own pride and can lead us to feel discontented, resentful towards others and towards God. We can learn the difference between good and bad comparisons through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. In the parable, we can look into the comparisons each character made. The Pharisee compared himself to the tax collector. He measured his good works against the tax collector’s lack of such. And he really did do many good works! Not many of us are able to fast twice a week on our own accord. But because of this he grew to be self-righteous and despised others (Luke 18:11). On the other hand, the tax collector compared himself to God. Just as how even the smallest speck of dust is revealed when put under light, measuring himself against the standard of God highlighted his many sins. But because of this he was humble and sincerely repented for his sins (Luke 18:13). We should not compare ourselves with others. When we compare ourselves with others, our underlying intention is that we hope to feel better about ourselves. Exalting ourselves above others. To which Jesus actually notes in Matthew 23:12, that our comparing has the adverse effect of lowering ourselves for “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled”. Paul also reminds that such comparisons are unwise (2 Corinthians 10:12). Our comparisons should be done against the standard of God. In doing so, it is like putting a white garment under bright light to examine whether it is spotless. It may feel counter intuitive. Because such comparisons won’t bring out feelings of self-confidence or pride. Instead, just like the tax collector, we are likely to feel unworthy of God and disheartened when we realise the multitude of our sins. This uncomfortable feeling is part of the process of being humbled. And how we react to that process will determine our growth as a Christian. We can choose to lift our heads high and pat ourselves on the back saying that we have done many good works, more so than the average person. Or we can bow our heads and cry out to God in remorse, asking for forgiveness.

Follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus.

Even the toughest trial will come to an end.