The High Places

I’ve never been selected to serve for jury duty. Yes, I have been to traffic court more times than I would like (but also deserved), and I have been in a few other courtrooms, so I know the basics of what goes on without needing to depend on “Judge Judy,” or the Hollywood dramas of courtroom proceedings.

While I’m not an expert or a lawyer, the foundation of our legal system is based upon truth—absolute truth and not the relative truth that fills our culture. For instance if I’m in traffic court for speeding, I would be silly to claim that while the police officer believed I was going 57 in a 35mph zone my speedometer and perspective of truth said I was only going 33mph; I would be laughed out of court. The standard of truth stands firm regardless of my opinion. Likewise in a trial witness are called to tell the truth, and while there are witnesses who twist the truth and lie, the purpose of cross examination, evidence and the jury system is to uncover truth. Without truth it all falls apart.

[2] Listen, people—all of you. Listen, earth, and everyone in it: The Master, God, takes the witness stand against you, the Master from his Holy Temple.
[3] Look, here he comes! God, from his place! He comes down and strides across mountains and hills.
Micah 1:2-3 (MsgB)

God took the stand to testify against Israel and Judah. When the Lord testifies against us He will tell it like it is because it is impossible for God to lie. God is a trustworthy and reliable witness. While some may try to refute God’s testimony, no holes can be poked in His story because it is true.

Why is God a consistent and dependable witness to tell the truth? Because nothing is hidden from His sight; there are no obstacles to hinder His view, nor distance to cloud His vision. God was right there when it happened and can tell it like it is.

Micah said the Lord came down and “strides across mountains and hills;” other versions say God walks among “the high places.” The high places can refer to the mountains and hilltops, but it also refers to the altars to worship pagan gods built there. Perhaps you have seen pictures of the Parthenon or other Greek temples; where were they built? On hill tops.

God was right there when His people offered up sacrifices to Baal and other false gods. The Lord was there to see their sin and would testify truthfully.

God also sees our sin; He was right there when it happened. How will we respond when the Lord testifies against us?