Today you should read: Micah 1
Today we’re beginning our study of Micah! Before we go any further, check out this video from the Bible Project.
Micah, a prophet of the Lord, delivers God’s message to the people of Israel and Judah. He lets the people know that it is “The Sovereign Lord [who] is making accusations against you;” (v.2).
The Lord lets the people know that he is coming with judgment because of “the rebellion of Israel” (v. 5). How had Israel rebelled against the Lord? Throughout the book of Micah, we will see Israel’s rebellion in two major ways: idolatry and injustice.
We see in verse 7 that Israel has been engaging in idol worship because the Lord promises to smash their carved images. In the next chapter, we will read how Israel’s wealthy were taking advantage of the poor. We must understand that these sins of idolatry and injustice weren’t just mistakes made by Israel & Judah; this was rebellion.
Israel was failing to obey God and all of the Law by failing to love the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) and to love their neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). This was a complete disregard for every command of God. Israel was failing at what Jesus said was the greatest (and second greatest) commandment.
Because of their (500 year long) rebellion, God promised to bring destruction to Israel and Judah, and for their “little ones” to “be exiled to distant lands.” This would be the Babylonians who would capture those in Judah and take them away.
What can we take from today’s reading?
We must take the command to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves seriously. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Because we have been loved so greatly, we can love God and others extravagantly. What do we do in response to God’s love for us?
“…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.” – Micah 6:8
What are some practical ways we can obey God’s command in Micah 6:8?
By: Lucas Taylor — West Campus Pastoral Ministry Apprentice
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