Kingdom Divided Lesson 23 – Micah

  

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?

What gifts and abilities has He given you for that?

What is keeping you from applying these instructions?

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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Kingdom Divided Lesson 22 – Various Scriptures

 

This study includes various Scriptures about God’s chosen people and His purifying plan for them.

These passages record how and why God’s judgment fell on Israel and Judah.

2 Kings 21:15-15 – God said He would bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.

2 Kings 17:1-23 – King Hosea of Israel was imprisoned by Assyria because the Israelites had sinned against the Lord.  They worshiped other gods and followed the practices of the nations the Lord had driven out.

2 Kings 25:1-21 – God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to capture Jerusalem and burn the city.

God’s purposes prevailed, despite the failure of His people.

Isaiah 9:1-7 – God will enlarge their nation, increase their joy, and send His son.  He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince or Peace.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom.  Suffering accomplishes God’s purposes.  Isaiah 43:1-9 – “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

We see God’s grace and sovereignty through the judgment on His people.  He persevered a remnant.  The people were freed from exile returned to Jerusalem.  They were given prophets and hope for the future.  Later they would be given Jesus.  God gave us Jesus and through Him we have hope.

As I study Israel and Judah’s suffering, I ask myself why.  Why were they so stupid, hard headed,  and stubborn?  Why wouldn’t they listen?  When you think about it, people are the same today – prideful, stubborn, and can’t see what is right in front of them.  People are blinded by a sinful, fallen world.

Through these passages we should see truths about God.  God loves us even when we sin.  He is always with us during our sufferings.  This knowledge should give us comfort and peace.

Life in this world involves suffering.  Genesis 3:19 relates to the suffering in the world. – We now have to work for our food and we all will have to die one day.  Adam and Eve brought sin into this world.  Now we all live in a fallen world and with sin and the suffering it brings.  No one escapes suffering.                                                                  

Why is there suffering?  Human suffering tests us and strengthens us growing us closer to God.  There is suffering in this world because through suffering the work of God might be displayed (Job 1:9-12; Joel 2:12-14; John 9:1-3).  Following Christ doesn’t guarantee a pass to an easy life.  Believers and unbelievers alike experience hardships and suffering.

Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us what we should consider before be blame others or give reasons for our suffering. – Our thoughts are not God’s thoughts and His ways are not our ways.  His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

How does God provide comfort during our suffering?  Isaiah 45:7; 41:10 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-12:10 tell us that God’s truth gives us comfort during times of suffering.  – God is our Creator.  He is in control.  He created everything so He has the right to do what He wants, when He wants.  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

How does suffering help us long for something better?  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and Revelation 22:1-5 show us that suffering helps us long for something better.  – Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our suffering.  One day we will be in heaven with the Lord Jesus and there will be no more suffering.

Does personal suffering help us to seek God?  When we are suffering we are more likely to go to God for His help.  Suffering humbles us.  It makes us more aware of our need for Him.  He uses suffering like sickness, death, job loss, divorce, etc. to draw us to Himself.

These verses show us different ways God works to draw us to him through challenges. 

Numbers 32:23 – When we sin, God sees and knows our sin and draws us to Himself.

Psalm 40:7 – God knows when we are weak and needy.  He comes to us with help.  He is our deliverer.

Psalm 118:13-14 – When we are down and out, He gives us strength.

Jeremiah 9:7; Zechariah 13:9 – He draws us to Himself by testing us.

Why do we resist our neediness?  We resist admitting our need for God, because we like to be in control and self-sufficient.  We are taught from childhood to be independent.  There is also pride and shame to admit we have failed.

What good comes from Jesus's suffering?  Jesus accomplished a greater good through His suffering.  Isaiah 53:4-6, 11-13 – He took all our sins and sorrows and died on the cross for us.  “By his wounds we are healed.”   His suffering and death atoned for our sins.  His suffering shows us how to respond to love, humiliation, ridicule, and persecution in this life.  His death accomplished redemption for us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-13; Romans 3:24).  He redeemed us from the guilt and power of sin.  He defeated the power of Satan (Colossians 3:15).

We should take great comfort in Psalm 46:1; 11 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  “The Lord almighty is with us…”

Does personal suffering contribute to our spiritual growth?  Romans 5::3-5; James 1:2-4 –  Suffering makes us realize we are not in control.  It helps us depend on God.  Suffering allows us to experience God’s presence and proves He is faithful.   Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  We should consider it pure joy when faced with trials, because testing of faith develops perseverance which matures us. 

There are other benefits that suffering brings beyond personal growth.  Corinthians 1:3-7; 1 Peter 4:12-14 - When we suffer, Jesus is there to comfort us.  Suffering produces patient endurance.  We should not be surprised when we suffer.  Christ suffered so as a suffering Christian we are identifying with Him.  When we suffer, we experience God’s presence and comfort.  Then we are able to share His comfort with others. 

When you are going through some type of trial, remember that through suffering God might be achieving a higher purpose for your life so you should rejoice in your suffering.  “…rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

Our earthly pains and sufferings won’t last forever.   Each day we are closer to the end of our lives on this earth or Jesus’ return.  If you are a follower of Jesus, then you will be in heaven with Him forever without pain, tears, and suffering.  If you are not a follower, you will face eternal pain and suffering.  Only God can rescue you from sin’s penalty.

Principle:  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

This week’s attribute of God is He is Faithful.  God keeps all His promises.  He knows and loves each one of us.  In this life we will face suffering, but God is faithful and we can trust Him.  God accomplishes His purposes even through suffering.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with the book of Micah.  Hope to see you here. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Kingdom Divided Lesson 21 – Isaiah Part 4

 

Isaiah 49-57 – The Suffering Servant

Isaiah wrote four Servant Songs – Isaiah 42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12.  The first Servant Song introduced the Messiah.  Now the second Servant Song gives His mission.  The Servant Israel here is Jesus the Messiah, because He came from Israel and is the representative of the nation.  Isaiah starts by saying that the Lord called Him by name before He was born and made His mouth a sharp sword meaning His very words have power and authority.  God held Him in His hand; caused Him to be a polished weapon; appointed Him His servant; appointed Him to restore and recover Israel and to be a light for the Gentiles; for Him to give salvation to the end of the world; chose Him, will help him; through him will both deliver the captive and cause joy to break out in heaven and earth.

Israel was God’s servant people, but fell short so God called Jesus to be His servant.  Jesus is the light of the world and we are to be a light to others. “You are the light of the world” – Matthew 5:14a.  The purpose of light in not to draw attention to itself, but to enable people to see.  Our lives should enable people to see the truth of the gospel.  All people are important to God.  He cares about us and He cannot and will not forget us.  He wants us to seek and trust in Him. 

Isaiah as well as Jesus seemed to have labored in vain because the people would not repent.  People who are in ministry sometimes feel this way.  You work long hours; the work is tiring; the results you want don’t always come; very few people are thankful; it often feels like you labor in vain.  Mother Teresa once said, “We are not called to be successful, but faithful.”

Isaiah’s third Servant Song in Isaiah 50 contrasts Israel’s disobedience and the Servant’ obedience.  He said the Messiah will be persecuted and then vindicated.  He said He will be obedient to God which results in His suffering. 

Isaiah 52-53, the fourth Servant Song describes the suffering and triumph of the Servant of the Lord which gives details of the death and resurrection of the Messiah.  He gives His life for ours accomplishing the will of God and our salvation.

God’s Servant is described as:

He will act wise, be raised and lifted up and highly exalted, His appearance will be disfigured and marred beyond human likeness. 

He grew up with no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, His appearance didn’t make us desire Him.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

He took our infirmities and carried our sorrows.

He was pierced for our transgressions He was crushed for our iniquities.

“We all, liked sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all”. – Isaiah 53:6.

Jesus endured suffering that belonged to us.  We must never underestimate what our sin cost Jesus.  He took the pain that we deserved.  He took on the full the guilt and consequences of our sin – past, present, and future.  He brought sinners peace and spiritual healing.  When arrested, Jesus offered no resistance.  He willing went to the cross like a lamb led to slaughter.  Without His suffering that brought atonement, no one could enter the kingdom of heaven.  Now He sits in glory on the right hand of God, reigning in eternal glory.

By God revealing these specifics about Jesus’ sacrifice centuries before He died confirms that God is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful).

We learn more about God and His ways in these verses:

Isaiah 54:7 – He is compassionate.

Isaiah 55:1-7 – He is merciful.

Isaiah 55:8-13 – His thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways, because they are higher than ours.

Isaiah 57:15 – He lives in a high and holy place, but also with the contrite and lowly in spirit.

Principle:  Jesus came as a suffering Servant and reigns as eternity’s King.

Isaiah 58-62 – The Final Plea

Isaiah recalls the details of Israel’s sin and offered another call for them to repent.  He said their sin had separated them from God; their hands were stained with blood and fingers with guilt; their lips have spoken lies and their tongue muttered wicked things; they didn’t know the ways of peace; there was no justice in their paths; they had turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them would know peace. 

Isaiah 63-66 – Isaiah’s Prayer

In Isaiah 63:7-19 speaks of hope in Christ the Redeemer, the glory of his coming kingdom, and of principles followed by those who hope to enter that new Zion – repentance, faithfulness, justice, mercy, wisdom, and integrity.  The redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins.

Isaiah speaks of God’s love and kindness.  He recalls God’s leading His people in the days of Moses.  He asks why God’s zeal for His people had waned.  He wanted God to come down and do awesome things again.  He confessed the people’s sin.  He acknowledged God as the heavenly Father.  “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8. 

We are seeing God do awesome things now with the revival that started at Asbury University and His Spirit is pouring out all over the world.  We have prayed for revival and God listened.  There is a spiritual renewal on college campuses and churches here in America and in many other countries.  People are waking up and demonstrating humility, confession, compassion and surrender to the Lord.

In Isaiah 65-66 God answers Isaiah’s prayer.  God speaks of the rebellious and unworthy nation.  God has destined the sword to destroy the rebellious nation, but He won’t destroy it all.  A remnant will be left to bring forth the offspring to inherit the promises.  The nation will suffer but the remnant will be blessed.  God will create new heavens and a new earth.  He will assert His sovereignty and purpose.  The through the suffering, God will cause a new kingdom to be born.  God spoke of the final things in the distant future; of heaven and of hell.

There are repeated themes from this book which are captured in Isaiah 65 – God judges His people, but He loves them and offers them salvation.  Those who reject Him will face His judgment.

Isaiah 66:2 shows us that God is the Creator of all things.  We can never understand anything until we understand just who God is and that we are under His command.  He wants us to humbly serve Him with a contrite spirit and tremble at His Word.

Do you need to repent of a specific sin?

Do you need hope?

What is keeping you from repenting?

Principle:  Nothing can stop God’s eternal plan.

This week’s attribute of God is He is a Person.  He has an identity and a personality.  He is part of the Trinity – God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  He communicates and speaks to us through His Word, the Bible.  We speak to Him through prayer.

Next time we will continue our study of Kingdom Divided with various Scriptures. Hope to see you here.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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