Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Monday after Misericordias Domini

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: Micah 2:12-13 (NKJV)

12 “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together like sheep of the fold, like a flock in the midst of their pasture; They shall make a loud noise because of so many people.

13 The one who breaks open will come up before them; They will break out, pass through the gate, and go out by it; Their king will pass before them, with the Lord at their head.”

Devotion

The house of Israel was exiled during Micah’s lifetime, for he prophesied “in the day of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah” (Micah 1:1). This occurred during Ahaz’s reign in Judea (see 2 Kings 17). The Israelites were justly punished for their sin of combining the worship of the true God with the worship of idols. For those in Israel that would repent, Micah prophesies the end of their captivity. “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel.” Those who repent, seeking mercy from the Lord, will receive it and be gathered back into the true Israel of God, the holy Church. Though Israel never reentered the land, the Lord kept a faithful remnant of all who believed the promise of the Gospel.

The remnant of faithful Israelites were to place their confidence in “the one who breaks open” and “will come up before them.” This is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus. He breaks open the sealed door of death by rising from the grave on the third day. He “will come up before them” so that many might witness His resurrection and believe in the Gospel. By breaking death’s strong bands and appearing to over five hundred witness (1 Cor. 15:6), Christ destroys death’s power and gathers a remnant, His true Church, consisting of all who believe the promise of the Gospel. He continues this in every age of the world through the proclamation of His Gospel, that He is the Good Shepherd Who has laid down His life, and taken it back up, for the sake of His sheep.

Lord God, make us faithful hearers of the promise of the Gospel, so that we daily seek mercy and forgiveness in the One Who breaks open the door of death. Amen.

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