September 24, 2020This week we read the book of Micah, a prophet who lived approximately 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Micah was a native of Moresheth, a town about twenty-one miles (thirty-five kilometers) southwest of Jerusalem. In the NLT Study Bible, the following description of his ministry is given by Leslie Allen: “With passionate forthrightness, Micah attacks the social evils of his day. His stubborn refusal to float on the tide of his social environment, and his courageous stand for his convictions of God’s truth, must commend Micah … to every age.” These virtues remind me of William Wilberforce, a British politician who fought long and hard to see that slavery was abolished in England in the early 1800s. To learn more about the convictions and endeavours of this man of faith, please visit: https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/activists/william-wilberforce.html
According to the notes in the NLT Study Bible, Micah is presumably a short form of Micaiah, which means “Who is like the Lord?” The prophet lived up to his name, calling on the people of Israel and Judah to forsake idols and trust in the Lord God. More than two thousand years later, Micah’s words are as relevant as ever, as many people in pursuit of wealth and pleasure do not realize that their Creator is a holy God who warns of coming judgment in His Word. Others know what the Bible says, but refuse to believe it.
Dr. David Jeremiah writes: “Micah’s message, in keeping with that of his brother prophets, is twofold: judgment and hope. God could not overlook Israel’s sins, but neither could He overlook His promises and loyalty. Although God would allow conquering kings to overrun the Promised Land and carry most of the nation into captivity, hope would live in the remnant that He would restore – a remnant of faith that, even today, recognizes one baby in Bethlehem as Israel’s only true hope for shalom, now and for eternity.” In what are you putting your hope? Since the early part of this year, many are hoping for an effective vaccine to be developed that will stop the spread of COVID-19. Since no one knows how long his or her life will be, the most urgent question we must answer is: “How can I have a personal relationship with God now and be with Him forever?” If you don’t know the answer to this question, or aren’t sure, please read the Word of God and ask God to reveal His truth to you. I would also like to hear from you if you have questions about Christianity.
Scripture for the weekend: “… To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “The fact that we don’t view death with optimism just might be because we think of death as taking us from our home, rather than bringing us to our home.” Erwin Lutzer (quoted in “A Better Country” by Dan Schaeffer)
Steve