Scripture
By Deborah Hillman
Scripture Lesson Text: Micah 2: 4-11
Related Scripture: Amos 7: 10-17; II Chronicles 28: 8-15; James 5: 1-9; II Peter 3: 1-10
Our lesson text this week speaks of Micah exposing the lies of the false prophets. Judah had brought upon themselves, part of their judgement from the Lord, which would be to lose their land.
Amos 7: 10-17 tells us of Amos prophesying to Israel, King Jeroboam, and Amaziah, of the coming doom to their women, sons and daughters because of their continued sin against God. II Chronicles 28: 8-15 speaks of the armies of Israel capturing 200,000 women and children from Judah and seizing large amounts of spoil, and brought it to Samaria.
James 5: 1-9 shows us that trusting in riches, wealth and an abundance of material items are living independently from God. James urges those suffering under that oppression to remain patient and strong in the faith. II Peter 3: 1-10 urges Christians not to waiver in their beliefs, but to continue to live out what they know is true. II Peter 3:8 says “A day is like 1,000 years to the Lord, and a 1,000 years is like a day”. So we must be patient and wait on the Lord, repent of our sins, as His love is everlasting.
Synopsis
By Janice Hall
We find in our lesson today the Prophet Micah ministering during a time when the world was full of corruption. Micah was up against not only the rebellious people of both Israel and Judah, but also having to deal with false prophets in their midst. These false prophets were spreading false messages and even insisted that Micah stop prophesying the truth. They refused to address the issues of the people evading holiness while leading them to destruction. God’s people were living below the standards that He commanded and they refuse to obey the message.
Micah found himself addressing the corruption of the religious and political leaders on their lack of fulfilling their duties to care for and protect the nation and its citizens. Selfishness and greed were running rampant and every man was out to seek his own gain. The people were so corrupt that they were oppressing each other by stripping lands and fields which were promised inheritances. God declared that he would deal with and judge such evil doing and move against His people.
As the title of the lesson is penned, Micah was called to stand firm for God against such corruption and speak of the judgment that was to happen against both Israel and Judah. Micah declared that “in that day” the day of judgment, Israel would be captured by Babylon. Even though Micah warned the people of destruction and judgement he also spoke to them about the coming kingdom and the restoration of Israel under the rulership of the Messiah. God is so loving towards His people, even though destruction may result because of rebellion and disobedience, God offers future hope of His grace and love towards us. So when repentance takes place and we turn our hearts back to him, He will restore us, because that’s the loving God we serve.
Practical Application
By Pamela Jones
Oh, how God does not like ugly! They tried to silence God by killing the true prophets who spoke God’s words; good, bad, or indifferent; His words are true. God cannot and will not be silenced. These false prophets received their just reward, of which they were not able to run and hide. Woe unto those who prophesy falsely and tell the people only what they want to hear to make them happy.
God will also revenge the wrongdoings done by those who destroy, take advantage of, and manipulate the upright men, women, and children, whom He loves and cares for. Proverbs 37:18 reads “The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.” The Lord is not slack concerning His promises to His people. Whatever He has promised, that He will do. He will provide vindication and vengeance for the upright.
As we walk in the ways and truths of God, we must always stand firm for God, and be careful to not be taken in by the false prophets who want to speak words of their own, and silence God. Those who would do wrong to God’s people have but vengeance to look for, because God will take good care of those who are mistreated and abused. He is a loving Father and takes care of the upright and their inheritance.
