Micah 3:12: “Therefore because of you / Zion shall be plowed like a field, / Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins, / And the mountain of the temple / Like the bare hills of the forest.”

November 26th, 2021 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Ultimately, in 586 BC, the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Mount Zion, “the mountain of the temple.” This same prophesy was also recorded by the prophet Jeremiah, who added that King Hezekiah heeded this message from God and led the people in real repentance:

Micah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: / ‘Zion shall be plowed like a field, / Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins, / And the mountain of the temple / Like the bare hills of the forest.'” (Jer. 26:18)

Because Hezekiah heeded God’s warning and repented, God relented and didn’t bring this disaster upon the people and Jerusalem during Hezekiah’s day. God has been warning His people by the mouths of His prophets down through the ages because He wants them to repent, turn around, and have a change of heart. But if there is no repentance, then there can be no pardon.

In 1830, when George Wilson was caught robbing the US mail by a government employee, he killed the employee. After going to trial, he was convicted and sentenced to death. President Andrew Jackson sent him a pardon, but he refused it. Not sure what to legally do with a refused pardon, the case eventually went all the way to the US Supreme Court. Chief Justice Marshall wrote: “A pardon is a slip of paper, the value of which is determined by the acceptance of the person to be pardoned. If it is refused, it is no pardon. George Wilson must be hanged.” And he was. Those who are wise repent and with joy accept God’s pardon. For others, the pardon is available but they reject and refuse it.

“Thank You, LORD, that You are generous and gracious and merciful toward all who call on You. We ask Your forgiveness again this day and submit ourselves once again to You.”