The Right Place to Rest

Arise and go, for this is no place to rest; because of uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction. (Micah 2:10)

Mic. 2:6-10; Deut. 12:7-10; Isa. 24:5, 11

What Is God Saying?

Micah proclaims Samaria, Israel's capital, a disaster area. God could not let defiant disregard for His sovereignty and holy laws go unpunished (Micah 1:6, 7). The images and idols must be destroyed beyond all recycling, and the city must be a heap of ruin in the open country. Judah was not to be spared because Judah was becoming increasingly defiled. People experiencing poverty were oppressed. Their property was coveted and prized. The people of Judah didn't want the truth. They would only listen to those who said what they wanted to hear. The place that used to be home was now a place of uncleanness and destruction. This was no place to rest. This was a place to leave.

How Does This Apply To Us?

The prophet's voice was raised in vain for those who had grown accustomed to and tolerant of the polluted land. For the others, his warning was loud and clear. ‘Arise and go, for this is no place to rest.’ We can and do allow ourselves to be so tolerant and accepting of that which sickens and defiles our world that we fail to sense the awful destiny of its constant, steady, downward drag. We live in a civilization that has allowed spiritual values to go under. Sin is rampant. We can rise and go. God can give us a place where our minds focus on His Word and our feet walk in the ways of truth. He is not willing for anyone to come to grievous destruction but for all to reach repentance (II Pet. 3:9).

Pray With Me

Heavenly Father, I am assured that I can find no rest except in your righteousness and mercy. Keep me from trying. Where there is ‘uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction,’ I am called to work ceaselessly, walk untiringly, and watch vigilantly. To sleep at the post is to invite the enemy's attack. To imagine that I can relax is to open myself to deception.

Lord, give me restlessness and dissatisfaction with this world. I thank you for the fact that there is so much good. I know that truth and love are never without their witness. I know that they are never lacking toward me if I am looking toward You. Help me only seek rest in the green pastures of Your protection. Help me to find satisfaction only beside the still waters that never run dry or turn bitter.

In the name of Him, whose perfect obedience to the Father's will has made our perfect rest possible in the Father's love, now and forever. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

God will provide clean waters and green pastures. He will lead us in paths of righteousness away from the poverty of lust and into the riches of love, from lies into His eternal truth, and from indifference into prayer.

We can move on in prayer while resting in the place of God's grace.