Life Lessons from Micah

Micah was another ‘minor’ prophet who can make a major impact on your life. Too often, we skim through the minor prophets or ignore them altogether but there are such beautiful and profound treasures in each book. Here they are in Micah!

Worship Only God

We can easily get caught up with other things in life. Sometimes we can become so involved with things they become our ‘gods.’

               All this is for the transgression of Jacob

      and for the sins of the house of Israel.

                  What is the transgression of Jacob?

      Is it not Samaria?

                  And what is the high place of Judah?

      Is it not Jerusalem?

Micah 1:5 (ESV)

These words of condemnation for Jerusalem were spoken because the people were worshiping other gods alongside Jehovah. The presence of God’s temple had lost its sacred place. Jehovah will not be part of a pantheon of gods. He is exclusive and demands honor and worship that reflect his holiness and awesome power.

We, too, must remain devoted exclusively to God. He is worthy of our whole devotion and worship.

God Condemns Evil

The Bible views all thoughts contrary to God’s will as evil! That is shocking to us because our definition of evil tends to be far more narrow. When we think and plan what to do without regarding God’s desires, that is evil.

Woe to those who devise wickedness

and work evil on their beds!

       When the morning dawns, they perform it,

because it is in the power of their hand.  

Micah 2:1 (ESV)

When we plan our day, carry out our work, engage in recreation and accomplish our goals without prayer or any thought of obedience to God’s will, it is wrong. It easy to reserve a part of our lives for worship and disregard God the rest of the time. This passage is a strong condemnation for this lifestyle.

God Will Demonstrate His Sovereignty

This is a promise. It is a look to the future when God’s kingdom rises and fills the earth. We are living in that era right now.

 It shall come to pass in the latter days

that the mountain of the house of the Lord

       shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

and it shall be lifted up above the hills;

       and peoples shall flow to it,

           and many nations shall come, and say:

       “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

       that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.”

       For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Micah 4:1–2 (ESV)

There will be a time when people will seek God’s ways and desire to live obedient lives. Today, that is happening all over the world. This scripture reflects the desire of every follower of Jesus.

And, we will continue to witness the power of the Kingdom of God as history marches on!

God’s Promise is Jesus

 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

       from you shall come forth for me

one who is to be ruler in Israel,

       whose coming forth is from of old,

from ancient days.

  Therefore he shall give them up until the time

when she who is in labor has given birth;

       then the rest of his brothers shall return

to the people of Israel.

  And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

       And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth.

  And he shall be their peace.

       When the Assyrian comes into our land

and treads in our palaces,

       then we will raise against him seven shepherds

and eight princes of men.  

Micah 5:2–5 (ESV)

This sublime passage declares the promise of the Good Shepherd who will come, born in Bethlehem, to be great and powerful. His gift is peace. This peace transcends all human experience and is rooted in the heart of all who put their trust in him.

It is the reason for continued hope on days that feel hopeless. Remember always that Jesus was promised, has come and lives forever so we can experience abundant, eternal life.

How Are We to Live?

      He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you

       but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?  

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

There are three simple requirements here.

The first has to do with a righteous life: do justice.

We live in a world of injustice. We are called to promote justice. The Bible consistently emphasizes our responsibility to protect the disenfranchised from the powerful will of selfish people. This is God’s requirement for every follower of Jesus.

The second is about our attitude.

We are to love kindness. Kindness is neither weak or pathetic. Kindness changes lives. We are to love expressing kindness every chance we get.

The third is about our lifestyle.

We are not to run excitedly with the world but to walk humbly with God. Our lives should be lived as under the influence and leadership of God. He gave us Jesus to show how that life looks. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us so we can live that life. We cannot claim ignorance because the Spirit of God is there to guide us each step of the way.

Your Turn

Embrace the lessons of Micah today. It will change the world around you. Share your comments here or on our Facebook page.  

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