The last chapter of the book of Micah paints a very bleak picture of Israel. People no longer trusted one another and were only waiting for a chance to insult and destroy one another.
Micah 7:3-4 explains why this happened: bad leadership was the cause. The leaders and judges worked for gifts and accepted bribes. They schemed how to game the system in order to better themselves. They expected the people to serve them, instead of serving the people.
The Law of Empowerment is a reminder that leaders provide value to people by serving them. When leaders fail to do this, they become selfish over time. Without a compelling reason to serve others, leaders sooner or later begin serving themselves. This can become a real problem in their leadership. The following examples from the Bible support reflection on this topic:
- With a reason, Samson could win countless battles. Without a reason, he could not even resist the temptation of his wife.
- With a reason, Saul could conquer the kingdom. Without a reason, he could not even master his own jealousy.
- With a reason, David could defeat Goliath. Without a reason, he could not even withstand his own lust.
- With a reason, Elijah could call down fire from heaven and defeat the 450 prophets of Baal. Without a reason, he ran away from Jezebel.
- With a reason, Peter could preach and lead 3,000 people to faith. Without a reason, he denied three times that he belonged to Jesus and his disciples.
Micah 7:3-4
3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.
4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.