Lately I have gotten caught up in the book of Micah from the God Story. Here are a few of the highlights. You may find some correlation to things you see around you right now.
First you may wish to read about the Kings and conditions which were occurring during the time Micah spoke on behalf of God. Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah ruled in Judah (southern kingdom in Israel) during the time of Micah’s prophecies (2 Kings 15-20).
The people: “Doom to those who plot evil, who go to bed dreaming up crimes! As soon at it’s morning, they’re off, full of energy, doing what they’ve planned. They covet fields and grab them, find homes and take them. They bully the neighbor and his family, see people only for what they can get out of them.” – Micah 2:1-2/Message
The leaders: “Here is GOD’S Message to the prophets, the preachers who lie to my people. For as long as they’re well paid and well fed, the prophets preach, ‘Isn’t life wonderful! Peace to all!’ But if you don’t pay up and jump on their bandwagon, their ‘God bless you’ turns into ‘God damn you.’ Therefore, you’re going blind. You’ll see nothing. You’ll live in deep shadows and know nothing. The sun has set on the prophets. They’ve had their day; from now on it’s night. Visionaries will be confused, experts will be all mixed up. They’ll hide behind their reputations and make lame excuses to cover up their God-ignorance.”
– Micah 3:5-7/Message
The Jesus promise: “But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the (least of the tribes) – from you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender. His family tree is ancient and distinguished. Meanwhile, Israel will be in foster homes until the birth pangs are over and the child is born, and the scattered brothers come back home to the family of Israel. He will stand tall in his shepherd-rule by GOD’S strength, centered in the majesty of GOD Revealed. And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect – (this One will be our peace!)” – Micah 5:2-5/Message
God’s unchanging mercy: “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me…Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. You will give truth to Jacob and unchanging love to Abraham, which You swore to our forefathers from the days of old.” – Micah 7:7,8,18-20/NASB
What do you think? What makes a sad nation? Where do we stand? Thank God for His deep, unchanging love!
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
Justice. That sounds good.
Dave
Deeper in Micah
The Kings & the Prophets Timeline
A Prophet Song