MICAH 1 & 2
Up to this point, we have studied the minor prophets Obadiah, Joel, Amos and Hosea.
What is the common thread that runs through all of these prophecies?
The result of going against God.
Micah follows right along with yet another prophesy of God's displeasure with the Israelites.
Micah chapters 1 & 2
What do we know about Micah?
Micah 1:1
[1]The word of the LORD that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah —the vision he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
He was from Moresheth.
When? During the reign of two evil kings and one (the third) king mentioned. (Hezekiah)
Who is Hezekiah? The king that stepped up after his two predecessors had made a mockery of GOD. Hezekiah was a God fearing king and displayed it to the people.
So, Micah was now issuing a warning of God's prophesy to the people if they turn from Him.
Micah 3:8
[8] 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.
• A very bold statement
• One that obviously came from God.
• He was a country man, not from a big city.
• But, not much else is known about him.
This prophesy is directed primarily to Samaria and Jerusalem.
Micah 1:2
[2] Hear, you peoples, all of you, listen, earth and all who live in it, that the Sovereign LORD may bear witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.
This is a strong statement from God that he wants the whole earth, (all people) to hear about the results of turning from Him.
Read: Micah 1: 3 through 16.
This message is a truly devastating revelation to the people. They, for sure, must know that turning from God is a disaster!
This brings us to the choices we make and what God's holiness is all about.
Read Isaiah 46:9 -11. Remember the former things........
Micah 1:6-7
[6] “Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations. [7] All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images.
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Micah 2:1-3
COVETOUSNESS and PRIDE
[1] Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. [2] They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud people of their homes, they rob them of their inheritance. [3] Therefore, the LORD says: “I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.
FALSE PROPHETS
Micah 2:6-9
[6] “Do not prophesy,” their prophets say. “Do not prophesy about these things; disgrace will not overtake us .” [7] You descendants of Jacob, should it be said, “Does the Lord become impatient? Does he do such things?” “Do not my words do good to the one whose ways are upright? [8] Lately my people have risen up like an enemy. [9] You drive the women of my people from their pleasant homes. You take away my blessing from their children forever.
This is very reflective of how we sin and then don't want to listen to God through his WORD.
But, doing what is right and pleasing according to God's WORD, find the GOOD that verse 7 refers to.
Micah 2:10-11
[10] Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined, beyond all remedy. [11] If a liar and deceiver comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer ,’ that would be just the prophet for this people!
A false prophet will tell you what he thinks will please you.
Are beer and wine the priority over God's TRUTH?
A false prophet tempts us with things that can distort our thinking. If he can fool us by using our own desires against us, then he can distort our thinking about God.
Here Micahs prophesy is telling Israel that they will get what they deserve.
THERE IS HOPE!!!!!
Micah 2:12-13
[12] “I will surely gather all of you, Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people. [13] The One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD at their head.”
What a message from God!
• Your sins have driven you away from God.
• But, God has not driven you away!
• God just wants them to know that there are consequences.
• But, he will always be true to them because He LOVES them.
• Are we God's enemy?
• Are we expecting God to align his plans with ours or should we be aligning our plans with his?
• He is always waiting for us to come to our senses and ask for His forgiveness and restoration.
• What is there in our lives that is driving us away from God; and the life He wants for us?
Read Jeremiah 32 : 27. I am the lord. The God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?