Micah 6-7
Day 177 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues with a study of the prophecies of Micah. MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicates that Micah's focus was on "the disintegration of personal and social values to which he delivered his most stinging rebukes and stern warnings (see Micah 7:5-6). Assyria was the dominant power and a constant threat to Judah, so Micah's prediction that Babylon, then under Assyrian rule, would conquer Judah (see Micah 4:10) seemed remote. Thus, as the prophet Amos was to Israel, Micah was to Judah." There was some confusion on my part over the past two days as to Micah's audience, as OverviewBible.com indicates both Israel and Judah as does this commentary (which I have not used other than finding via Internet search; although the commentary does say Judah is the primary audience). Generally speaking, I lean towards John MacArthur as the most respected of commentary sources I use.
Today's reading from my current chronological Bible study commentary* includes "God's charge against Israel", what God seeks from Judah (not empty rituals but to truly walk with Him; Micah 6:7-8), "Judah's sin and punishment", and Judah's misery resulting from its sin. Micah's prophecies of Babylon's impending invasion of Judah and its ultimate deliverance are also a focus. Micah's words echo prophecies by other Biblical prophets and authors - see here for similar messages.
Micah exhorts us to love God over all other relationships we may have as people will let us down but God never will - only God can save:
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a God worthy of my undivided attention as You love me beyond what I deserve and You have saved me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of Your love and Your gift of salvation. I continue to sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression f the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago. Micah 7:18-20
Today's reading from my current chronological Bible study commentary* includes "God's charge against Israel", what God seeks from Judah (not empty rituals but to truly walk with Him; Micah 6:7-8), "Judah's sin and punishment", and Judah's misery resulting from its sin. Micah's prophecies of Babylon's impending invasion of Judah and its ultimate deliverance are also a focus. Micah's words echo prophecies by other Biblical prophets and authors - see here for similar messages.
Micah exhorts us to love God over all other relationships we may have as people will let us down but God never will - only God can save:
Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:5-7
Indeed, in Jesus, we have a God who loves only as He can:
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression f the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago. Micah 7:18-20
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a God worthy of my undivided attention as You love me beyond what I deserve and You have saved me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of Your love and Your gift of salvation. I continue to sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
