Day 259

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Micah Delivering God's Message

Micah Introduction

Leaving the familiar surroundings of his rural life, Micah journeys to Jerusalem to deliver God's message of judgment to a corrupt and immoral Judah. The prophet aims his rebukes at those who use their God-given authority to cheat the poor and abuse the powerless. Throughout Micah's quarter century of ministry, three themes ring clear: sin will not go unpunished; judgment will be swift and soon; and once the discipline is completed, God will restore his people of their covenant land.

The roots of the prophet Micah was that his home town of Moresheth of Gath (1:14) was located about twenty-five miles southwest of Jerusalem on the border of Judah and Philistia. Like Amos, Micah was from the country. His occupation is unknown, but Moresheth was a productive farming area.

Scripture

September 15—Micah 1-2: Condemnation of Judah's People

Observation

Micah begins his prophecy by launching into a general declaration of coming calamity upon Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem). Both kingdoms will be overthrown because of their treachery and brutality. Cities which before had known laughter and feasting would soon experience bitterness and distress at the hands of the cruel Babylonians. Corrupted leaders, scheming merchants, envious people—all are evidence that Judah's wound is incurable. But though tears will flow freely in Judah when God's chastening hand is felt, there is cause for hope in the Lord. Divine discipline will set the stage for God's Messiah to institute a rule of justice and peace.

Application

You are driving through a quiet residential neighborhood when you happen upon a house that catches your attention. The yard is three feet deep in weeds, the front porch is about to collapse, and the house hasn't seen fresh paint in years. The mailbox proclaims in letters three inches high, THE WILSONS LIVE HERE.

Driving further, your attention is captured by yet another house. The lawn is immaculate, the front porch is cozy and inviting, and the house sports a fresh coat of paint. Again, the mailbox announces to the world, THE WALKERS LIVE HERE. Now, what are your preconceived notions about the Wilsons and the Walkers?

God's people were to be God's name-bearer to the world, demonstrating by their quality of life what the God of heaven was like. In the same way, you bear the name "Christian" in a world that is filled with conflicting definitions of just what a "Christian" is. How are you doing? Put a telephone book by your bedside tonight to remind you when you wake up that the name "Christian" is not something to be borne lightly!

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, we come before you in earnest prayer and ask you to please forgive our sins and have mercy on us. Let our only aim be to become more like Jesus every day walking according to your Word. For we know it is easier to exemplify our values in you than to teach them so that unbelievers will believe and grow to have the same values. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that intercedes for us in prayer, thought and action. In Jesus' name! Amen!

Holy Spirit Interceding!



© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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