Note: For clarity the Kings of Israel are coded in Orange and Kings of Judah are coded in Blue.
Micah was a prophet who lived during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. This book in a mixture of judgment and hope. Micah warned about God’s judgment against the capital cities of both kingdoms, Jerusalem (southern kingdom) and Samaria (northern kingdom), because of the sinfulness of their people, rulers, prophets and priests. Micah also promised the restoration of Zion and a kingdom of peace for those who worshiped and belonged in God. He prophesied that a ruler born in Bethlehem would set up a kingdom that would last forever.
God gives warnings so we will not have to suffer His wrath. Judgment is certain if God’s warnings aren’t heeded and the sacrifice of His Son is rejected. For the believer, God will discipline us, not from hate, but because He loves us. He knows sin destroys us and He wants us whole.
Micah 1-2 – God is Coming in Judgment
Micah’s warning was for Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. His vision was concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. He denounces their specific sins: the sin of idolatry (Micah 1:1-7); the sin of covetousness and pride (Micah 2:1-5); the sin of listening to false prophets (Micah 2:6-11).
Our wrong desires can escalate into acts of sin. “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” – Matthew 15:18-19. “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:14-15.
We all battle with sin just like Judah and Israel. Nothing has changed in 2,000 years. We lie and cheat and are guilty of idolatry. The lesson here is if we don’t repent, we will face God’s judgment. If we repent, God will show mercy and forgive us.
Micah gives an encouraging promise to people. God will restore and bring together the remnant of Israel (Micah 2:12-13).
Micah 3-5 – God is Coming in Peace
Micah denounced the sins of Israel and Judah’s corrupt leaders: they hate good and love evil (Micah 3:1-4); the prophets lead the people astray (Micah 3:5-7); the leaders despise justice and distort all that is right and take bribes, the priests teach for a price, and the prophets tell fortunes for money (Micah 3:9-12).
Leaders are held to a higher standard. Others see what they do and think if they do it, it must be ok. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity ….” – Titus 2:7. “… we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1b.
Micah’s leadership as God’s prophet differs from the other leaders. He was full on power by the Spirit of the Lord. He had confidence in God. He knew God and was close to Him and His Word. “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.” – Micah 3:8.
God has placed you where you are for a reason. It may be in the work-place with co-workers or at home with your family. Wherever you are, you are to set an example to stand with Him and do what is right.
Micah 4:1-8 – Micah talked about in the last day the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established. This is the ultimate city of Jerusalem, the city of Zion. This will be fulfilled in the millennium when all will be restored and Jerusalem will be the capital of the millennial earth. I look forward to unity and peace and the pure worship of the Lord forever.
Micah revealed that a future Shepherd and King would be their peace. He would be a Shepherd who rules by the power of God. Of course this King is Jesus. We learn in Micah 5:2-5 that He will come from Bethlehem, be ruler over Israel, will be great to the ends of the earth, and will bring peace.
Knowing that Jesus will return should impact our lives. We should encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25). We should spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). We should do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Whatever we do we should do it as if working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). His returning gives us hope. There will be no more pain or grief. We will receive perfect bodies. We will be reunited with our deceased loved ones. We will be with the Lord forever.
Micah 6-7 – God is Coming in Mercy
God appealed to Israel in Micah 6:1-7. He told them to stand up and plead their case to the Lord. He told to remember their journey and how God rescued them, remember how they were counseled, and to bow down before the exalted God. God had showed them what was good and what was required of them. Micah connects our faith with our actions. God gives us the gift of salvation by grace. But He desires us to apply these instructions in return. He wants us to walk humbly with Him, to love mercy, and to act justly. All of which only comes from the Holy Spirit – God Himself.
What does it mean to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly before God? (Micah 6:8)
To act justly means to be impartial and non-judgmental toward those that are different from you. It means to speak out about injustice like abortion, human trafficking, bulling. It’s not participating in something when you know it’s a sin just because you want to be accepted.
To love mercy means facing insults without retaliating, forgiving over and over again, bearing the consequences of someone else’s sin, reaching out to the lonely and not expecting anything in return, having compassion for those in need.
To walk humbly with your God means to recognize that the Lord is high and exalted and you are not. It’s to understand His authority as Creator. It’s trusting Him with your care and the world’s problems.
God is gracious and doesn’t remain angry forever. He loves to show mercy and compassion. Israel and Judah faced judgment as God held them accountable for their sins against Him and others. He promised judgment but also hope. Micah’s warnings are for us today. We live in a world that demonstrates wickedness against its people every day. God wants us to remember He will judge the evil and the sins of the world. The only way to escape is to repent and turn to God.
What are ways you can act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God?
Micah offered hope to Israel. “… I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7-9. They were to watch and wait, because through God’s judgment, they would rise again.
We learn in Micah 7:18-20 that no one is like God. He pardons sin and forgives our transgressions. He doesn’t stay angry forever, because He loves showing us mercy and compassion.
Principle: God desires us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him.
This week’s attribute of God is He is Good. God’s ways are righteous. He is just and merciful. He offers hope, refuge, and care to all who come to Him. He makes all things work together for our good.
Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the books of Nahum and Zephaniah. Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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