Isaiah 14:24-32; 2 Kings 16:10-20; Micah 1-7; 2 Chronicles 27-28

Considering that Micah and Isaiah were contemporaries prophesying to Judah at the same time, Yahweh was really trying to get the attention of His people before it was too late. The nature of divine prophesy is both “preaching” to the here and now and “predicting” what is to come. Both Micah and Isaiah have a blend of each. Micah means “Who is like Yahweh?” The written record we read today answers the question. Yahweh is like no other; a God of justice, mercy and relationship.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8

The “preaching” message that was timely for Judah is likewise timely for us since God is telling folks what He expects. Let’s consider these three truths revealed in Micah.

In turning their focus to political life, people turn away from spiritual life. It was true then and it is true now. God empowers rulers to assure JUSTICE for His people. Corruption of this mandate for leaders leads to the corruption of a nation and her people. To be ruled spiritually, Yahweh provides Messiah, the very ruler we need to do justice on earth…

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.

Micah 5:2-4

In following after false prophets people stray away from truth. It was true then and it is true now. Yahweh inspires His prophets to inspire MERCY in the hearts of His people. People need to see God as merciful and, in turn, love showing mercy to others. When people are not taught kindness and mercy they gravitate to those who teach that might makes right. Sadly, the world reinforces this false notion. When a nation loses its heart, it will lose its soul. To be guided by truth, Yahweh provides Messiah to teach us…

It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.

Micah 4:1-5

No matter what rulers do or teachers teach, individuals are accountable to God. In addition to or in spite of our ruler we are to “do justice” a carry out what is right and shun what is wrong. No matter what the world teaches us, the “greatest love of all” is NOT learning to love yourself. Rather, it is loving mercy and showing kindness to others because of a love for God and a love for others that we learn from God. No matter how wide, smooth and popular the way of the world, we must choose the difficult and narrow pathway of humility in lockstep with Almighty God.

Now is the time to focus on spiritual things and a daily walk with Christ. Today is the day for goodness and mercy to follow us, and continue with us all the days of our lives. It was true then and it is still true now. Men will let you down and guide you away. Yahweh never fails.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!