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| MICAH MI_KA_YAH meaning "who is like the Lord" is the Hebrew form from which the name Micah is derived. Born in Moresheth near Gath, Micah was a citizen of the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Jotham and Ahaz and Hezekiah. He witnessed the Assyrian advance as Israel was reduced to an Assyrian province after the fall of Samaria in 722-721 B.C. and Judah was repeatedly threatened under sucessive Assyrian kings, His ministry was contemporary with the prophet Isaiah. Micah asserts that both kingdoms will be subjected to God's wrath. The capitals will be destroyed because of the sinfulness of the leaders. Civic rulers, prophets, and priests are guilty of failing to reflect the fear of God in their responsibilites. Social injustice prevails and holiness in everyday living is lacking. Impending doom awaits them. By contrast, the promise of restoration provides hope for those who put their trust in God. Restored Zion will be the center of a universal kingdom where absolute peace and justice will prevail. The mighty "ruler in Israel", whose birthplace is identified as Bethlehem, will establish a kingdom that will last forever. The book of Micah was presumably written by Micah himself, possibly during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.. (742-687B. C.) The special feature about this book is the Classical Hebrew poetry. There are three parts, each beginning with "Attention" or "Listen" (1:2, 3:1; 6:1) and the closing with a promise. The key verse in this book is 6:8 ~ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The message in this book tends to be along the same lines as every other book beginning with the prophets and even before. The message is so plain and easy to understand one tends to think that not only were these people living in those times selfish, uncaring but also very foolish and ignorant people. As of course we know by reading the scriptures, the problems were pride, greed, and total denial. As the years and generations passed, they still thought that God would give in and agree to allow them to live as they wished. But they had a covenant to keep, and they were hoping that they would be released from this covenant, but this was not going to be the case. So as prior generations, they were condemned for their wicked and idolatrous ways, and destroyed. Yet, they would turn to God for a while until they felt secure in their welfare, and would slowly turn away, back to their heathen ways. *********************************************** God will judge the false prophets, dishonest leaders, and selfish priests in Israel and Judah. While they publicly carried out religious ceremonies, they were privately seeking to gain money and influence. To mix selfish motives with an empty display of religion is to pervert faith. Micah predicted ruin for all nations and leaders who were oppressive toward others. The upper classes oppressed and exploited the poor. Yet no one was speaking against them or doing anything to stop them. God will not put up with such injustice. God promised to provide a new king to bring strength and peace to his people. Hundreds of years before Christ's birth, God promised that the eternal King would be born in Bethlehem. It was God's great plan to restore his people through the Messiah. Micah preached that God's greatest desire was not the offering of sacrifices at the Temple. God delights in faith that produces justice , love for others, and obedience. So this story repeats itself over and over again, the places may change, the characters change, a different man is called by God to prophecy to the people, but nothing much ever changed. You may ask yourself this question, if God is so mighty and powerful, why did He allow this repetitious life to continue? The answer was given by God himself, "I am who I am, I am the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end"..... He knows how the story ends and He knew that He would eventually have to give His people free will to choose which way to go, but in the meantime, He was teaching His people valuable lessons to be passed down through the generations. and our Ancestors, the great witnesses, in Heaven will have such great stories to tell us when we get there. ************************************************ Christ our king leads us just as God promised. But until his final judgment, his leadership is only visible among those who welcome his authority. We can have God's peace now by giving up our sins and welcoming Him as king. True faith in God generates kindness compassion, justice and humility. We can please God by seeking these attributes in our work, our family, our church and our neighborhood. ****************************************************** PUT GOD FIRST As we go through life each day, We can choose our path to go many ways. Rise up in the morning with a frown, Or meet the day with joyful sounds. Give Thanks to GOD for a new morn, For a good nights rest, instead of scorn. Allowing Him to help you greet the day, And for His blessings, give thanks and praise. Put God first in all you do, Allow Him to be a blessing through you. Tell someone, that you love them And tell someone all about HIM. How to put God first no matter what, And to ask forgiveness if you forgot. Unlike the Isrealites of old, Make a statement that is true and bold. Putting God first is the ultimate plan, And everyone else will understand, If you witness His mercy to their hearts, Trusting and believing, His love impart. Poem by Shirley Barr July 25, 2005 References for Micah: Life Application Study Bible Copyrights 1996 |
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| PAGE BY SHY |
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| SONG: "MYSTERY OF YOUR LOVE" COMPOSED AND SEQUENCED BY LaVada Torzewski and Paul Gentry |
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