Micah

1.       First Impressions

Micah was a prophet from Moresheth Gath to the Southern kingdom in the time of JOtham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, so from around 739 B.C to 686 B.C. His purpose was mainly to speak to Judah, calling them to repentance from all the social injustice, idolatry and other sins they were committing. He also addressed the Northern kingdom and predicted the fall of Samaria (Micah 1:6) which happened in his life as the northern kingdom was being destroyed. Micah was a contemporary with Isaiah but they had very different ministries.

2.       Theme Tracing

·         What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

Micah’s name means “who is like the Lord?” In chapter 7:18-19 Micah answers this from his perspective. He speaks of God being sovereign, forgiving, a God who doesn’t stay angry but delights in showing unfailing love. Micah says He is a compassionate, faithful and loving God. A God who always keeps His promises, that is a lot of truth to think on in just two verses!

More than that, in Micah 6:3 God asks, “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me!”

God is just showing again that we cannot remember or grasp his greatness. Neither can we ever fully understand His deep desire for us to realize that He is good, He is worthy and He wants what is best for us. We can easily see this, just look at the amount of times God has warned these people by now!

·         What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

In this book Micah predicts the place which will mark the start of a new period in God’s redemptive plan… Jesus’ birthplace. In Micah 5:2 it says, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from a distant past.” This is fulfilled in Matthew 2:1. Besides this clear messianic prophecy, Micah 2:12,13; 4:1-8 and 5:4,5 all show quite a clear picture of Jesus and His reign over all the earth.

3.       Application questions

·         Personal application:

Micah is a very special book to me for several reasons but specifically because of this verse in Micah 6:8. Earlier in my life I went through a hard time I got this picture of me wearing a really heavy coat filled with burdens I had unnecessarily been putting on my back. God then came to me and took it off but then instead of being free I felt ‘naked’ and I kept wanting to reach for those things again. Someone gave me this verse in Micah “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”  I then began to understand again the very basics of what God was expecting from me and it was as though I began to stop reaching for those things and God began to teach me to walk up straight without those burdens I had before. That is all history but God’s word is eternal and I believe that this verse sums up so well what is required of us but also God’s heart and desire for relationship with people who obey His commands and humbly walk with Him in love. This is like going back to basics and it sounds super simple but that doesn’t mean living it out is easy. I will always hold on to Micah 6:8 and 9a “ Fear the Lord if you are wise” because it is foundational.

·         Point of Passion: 

Micah 7:7 says, “Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the god of my salvation; My God will hear me.” There is a lot one can draw from this verse but I want to apply it to education. I think it is so important to remember to turn to God in all areas. As for teaching it is the chance one has to impact the lives of people and no matter what you are teaching on whether it is God, English or Science. God is involved and I was just reminded of the importance of going to God for the inspiration and word He wants us to share.