Micah was speaking God's message to people during the reigns of 3 kings of Judah: Jotham (who did right), Ahaz (who did evil) and then Hezekiah (who did right).
God is not pleased (v2). Micah's words paint a great picture of God's power. Even the mountains melt like wax before him (v3-4). If this God is not pleased then who knows what will happen?
Something to consider today:The reason God's not pleased with his people is because they've been worshiping false gods (idols) that are just made up inventions of people and have no power at all (or love) and yet God's people seem to prefer them above the one who made them and has given them a way to be with him (v5-7). Are we in a similar situation today and what can we do about it?
Destruction is coming to put an end to their unfaithful and corrupt actions. They've had time to come back to God but it's running out. Enemies are coming to capture them and carry them off into exile (v8-16).
What's the appropriate response that God is looking for? Sorrow and that seems to be about it. There's no promise of hope in this chapter. It looks like God has finally had enough and this is the end.
The people have had freedom to do whatever they want. They've had the power to do evil and they've done it (v1-2). So Micah explains that God is sending disaster on his people and their pride will lead the their downfall and disgrace (v3-5). They won't be able to save themselves from it and neither will their so-called 'gods'. The things in which they have placed their trust will ultimately let them down.
The people have other prophets who say what they think is right but they're more like 'yes men' who say just what the people want to hear and they're just as corrupt as anyone else. That's why Micah makes the sarcastic joke about them offering to give prophesies in exchange for beer (v11).
Something to consider today:All the time, people believe the popular messages that say everything's fine and somehow manage to overlook all the injustice and evil that goes on right in front of them (v9-10). Do we do this and how can we make sure we do better?
But there's hope at the end of this chapter. God promises that ultimately he will save his people rather than completely wipe them out as they deserve. There will be a shepherd-like king who will blast open a way back to God. I wonder who that could be!
Then we have Micah speaking for himself...
Something to consider today:Micah, knowing what is right and wrong (unlike many who had lost sight of justice), is not afraid to stand up and shout about it, making a stand for justice against the powers that had been corrupted. How much do we stand against injustice and fight to put things right?
Now we have another picture of how God says it will be in the future. The end won't be complete destruction but God will have what he wanted in the first place: a people who live with him in safety and peace.
Something to consider today:We have a picture of the future God wishes for us in this chapter. People will want to spend time with God and be with him and learn from him (v2). People will go to God to settle their disputes (v3). War will be over and the tools of destruction will become tools of production (v3). Everyone will have their own home and will have safety and security (v4). How does this sound to you and who are you trusting in for it to happen?
Micah states for himself and others who will listen that they will follow the one true God in a world where others go after invented gods and other things.
