1/29/13

HAPPY NEW YEAR by Gary Womack

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The beginning of another year is met with anticipation of new beginnings and with the idea of turning another page in our lives. All of this only lends itself to the realization of the fact that we are, within the confines of this physical world, but finite beings. We are inseparably connected to the measure of our existence by time. Unlike God, who is "...even from everlasting to everlasting..." (Psm. 90:2), the days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years..." (vs. 10) and "we finish our years like a sigh." (vs. 9)

Time is a relative thing. For little children, time passes by agonizingly slow. This is seen in a child's anticipation of having another birthday. How many times do they ask how long it will be until their next birthday? Or how many times have we heard a child say, " I can't wait till I'm -- years old?" But as we become advanced in years our birthdays seem to come more swiftly and we are often heard to say, "It doesn't seem like it's been a year."

Once again, we are to be reminded that our perspective of time is so limited compared to that of our Creator, that the psalmist has said of Him that "...a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night." On the other hand, Job expresses our existence upon this earth as being "...swifter than a weaver's shuttle" (Job 7:6) To those of Job's day, this was a fitting analogy of how quickly our days pass. As the weaver would pull the thread into the weaving machine from the "shuttle" upon which the thread was wound, the shuttle would spin at a very rapid pace - each rotation being compared to each passing day in our lives. What a fitting illustration!

In our modern age of technology and scientific discovery, we are no less at a loss to express time in its proper perspective to the eternal nature of God. However, one thing that we have learned about time is that its measurement is based upon a highly sophisticated and extremely accurate standard. Due to advances in astronomical studies, we are able to determine the measure of a year as being 365 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes and 9.54 seconds in length. That's a far cry from the ancient sundial!

How sad it is that many of those, whose abilities in science have been able to render the measurement of time in such accurate terms, have failed to acknowledge the God of heaven who gave us such an accurate time piece as this universe. Such accuracy of motion that allows the rotation of the earth's 585 million mile journey around the sun to be measured down to the one hundredth of a second, can only be attributed to intelligent design and not by accident or coincidence. Truly, "the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." (Psm. 19:1) Even time is a part of His handiwork. So, as the world watches while "the ball drops" at Times Square in New York City, and another year passes, God's hand is in it all.

While we put a great deal of emphasis on the beginning of a new year and how dependent we are on the measuring of it to the events of our lives, we must not lose sight of the fact that time is a creation of God intended for our benefit. In the midst of God's eternal existence, the longevity of the universe and His sustaining of it is but a mere blip. Time is the measure of that brief period between the bookends of human existence amid the endlessness of eternity. The eternal God of heaven has no need for time, as the psalmist clearly points out; "For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night." (Psm. 90:4) Or as Peter expressed it, "...with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Pet. 3:8) Therefore, it was for man's benefit that God gave us a means of measuring time.

The omnipotent God, the Creator of this universe, on the fourth day of creation said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years." (Gen. 1:14) No Swiss movement ever matched God's celestial time piece. We ought to be aware of this - even as we think about the passing of another year.

So, as we greet one another with those words that wish for a "happy new year", let's be aware that time is fleeting and the only control we have of it is how we use it. This was the emphasis behind the words of Paul as he wrote, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:15-17) Anyone who feels that new year resolutions are in order would do well to resolve to "understand what the will of the Lord is." Each of us ought to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) In this way we will make the best use of God's time that He has loaned to us, for this is how we "buy back" (redeem) the time that we are allotted.

The facing of a new year ought to be a clarion call for many to "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." (Eph. 5:14) Many in this world are letting time pass them by with little or no thought of the fact that time is running out and an accounting of how we used it is somewhere upon the horizon immediately this side of eternity. To ignore the coming of that day is to be as guilty as those whom Amos the prophet warned by saying, "Woe to you who put far off the day of doom..." (Amos 6:3) Rather, they ought to "...consider that the longsuffering (patience) of our Lord is salvation..." (2 Pet. 3:15) and that the reason any of us are still here is because He is patiently waiting - allowing time to repent for those who will do so.

Likewise, those who are "in Christ" ought also to be conscious of the fact that our work is still before us and time is of the essence. It is not time to be sleeping through our responsibilities, for "...now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." (Rom. 13:11)

If anyone is to realize a happy new year, it will be found only on the terms of God's grace and by the pattern of His wisdom. Jesus' sermon on the mount is a good place to begin. A reading of Mt. 5-7 and the application of it will insure that your year will be a happy one. - Gary V. Womack - January 2006

Most boring book in the Bible? by Jim McGuiggan

Most boring book in the Bible?

We call a thing boring if it doesn’t hold our attention. A thing doesn’t hold our attention when it doesn’t reward our investment or, at least, when it is less rewarding than other things that are going on at the same time. Some literature is like that. Some biblical literature is like that. The book of Numbers is a bit like that, with its reams of names that are hard to pronounce and lots of laws that mean nothing to a modern reader. Even if the names were easy to pronounce, we don’t know the people and so they hold no interest for us. It’s like reading a telephone book. Much of the information in the book of Numbers was out of date even for ancient Israel once they entered the land of Canaan and what wasn’t out of date would have meant little to a generation that had never experienced the various stations in the Wilderness wandering.

As a novel a book like Numbers wouldn’t sell. As a history book it wouldn’t be readable and would lack all kinds of things that a history book calls for. As a tour guide it would be tossed aside and as a sheer information source it would be as useful as a 1950’s bus schedule. How did a book like that get into the Bible? How did it remain there all these centuries? The answer’s complex and ranges from saying that God wanted it there to saying it is an integral piece of a larger whole to saying it has riches that a modern reader with a short and limited attention span has no interest in.

And it doesn’t help English 21st century readers to notice that the book is named Numbers (the Greek is Arithmoi). Unless you’re an accountant or a mathematician you'd tend to think the book tedious.

The most adopted Hebrew name is Bamidbar ("in the wilderness") and it's probably true that that Hebrew name is more appropriate. For it’s when we remember that the events all take place in the wilderness that our appreciation of what happens there is sharpened.

One of the appropriate criticisms I’ve heard of a lot of writing is that it leaves nothing to the imagination. The reader must be told every single thought in a character’s mind and detailed explanations or descriptions must be offered for every scene. I suspect that hurts our capacity to read and imagine. We’re supposed to use our imagination in reading the Bible and our imagination is nowhere more fruitful than when reading a book like Numbers (Bamidbar).

With only a little imagination we can imagine Abraham and Sarah standing on a high hill somewhere, looking down on the assembled and organized nation and remembering the call of God. A man old in body and his wife unable to have children and yet this vast family below them is their family.

With only a little imagination as we look at the nation encamped below we can imagine a series of circles within circles (or squares within squares). In the center is the sovereign and holy Lord who is exalted above all, encircled by priests who no longer are numbered with the tribes of Israel but who in standing between God and the people protect the people from the wrath of God. And priests who "protect" God from the profanation of the people who would tend to become too familiar with him. Familiarity may not breed contempt but it can weaken one’s sense of awe.

With only a little imagination we can see God at the physical center of the entire encampment and nation and by that we’re told that that is the place he not only deserves but the place Israel must acknowledge him to deserve. If they do not, they are in mortal danger from many destructive inner enemies.

With only a little imagination we can read the names and divisions in the book of Numbers and see the army of the living God. We’ve seen epic movies like Spartacus or Braveheart or The Gladiator and were awed by the size and power and unity of the divisions. It draws the reader or viewer into that world of purpose and mission and they become part of that enterprise. In the New Testament the Hebrew writer does that very thing (and more) when he reminds the believers what they had become part of (see 12:22-24). There’s something about that that gives us added strength and assurance. Knowing that we’re standing and marching shoulder to shoulder with a vast company of others and that we all have a single purpose and destiny gives us a strong sense of belonging. To know that others are "laying their lives on the line" give us the courage to do the same.

With only a little imagination we can guess at how astonished we would be to see such a thriving multitude of living, worshiping people surviving—and more than mere "surviving"—in such an impossible environment. We’d note the chaos of the wilderness and the harmony of the encamped or marching people. The very "impossibility" of it would make us wonder at how they could be there and thrive there; we would wonder how it was accomplished and how they came to be there and that would lead us to the larger Story. And if God can gather and sustain a nation in the chaos of the Sinai wilderness maybe he can gather and sustain a nation in the chaos of the nations.

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about a people that forgot both the power and faithfulness of their God. They forgot that he created wilderness and that he was the Lord of it (he turned Egypt into a wilderness—see Exodus chapters 7—11). They forgot that it was his faithfulness to his promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that led him to deliver Israel from oppression in Egypt. [Contrast 22:6 with Genesis 12:3.]

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about a generation that was too afraid and too tired and too trustless to follow the dream (the promise) and reap the benefits.

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about a generation that prized basic essentials in slavery greater than freedom and hope through hard times. [See 11:4-6 and 33 where they desired Egypt again for its meat and got its plagues. See too 16:13 where they called Egypt a land flowing with milk and honey. Contast this with Exodus 3:8.]

Bamidbar (Numbers) cures us of our over-eager tendency to side with sinners against God. In this way it exposes our own (perhaps) subconscious tendency to murmur that things aren’t going as we would like them. We note their wilderness conditions and "understand" too easily Israel’s complaining; we feel sorry for Moses that he didn’t get into Canaan; we’re inclined to think God was harsh in excluding that entire generation, including more than 14,000 in the Korah rebellion and 24,000 at Peor (25:9). But Bamidbar (Numbers) while it is pervaded with grace as the ground for Israel’s very existence has little time for excusing constant and trustless moaning against God and his ways and the flagrant rebellion that such a spirit often leads to.

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about the importance of God-appointed leaders. Leaders are to understand that they represent God and must honor him before the people (see 20:1-12, 24 and 27:13). Leadership must not be seized or sought out of jealousy or discontent with the way things are going (see 12:1-15 and 16:1-50 and especially 17:5,10 and "grumbling"). When God appointed leaders the people were expected to obey them (27:12-22 and 17:5).

Bamidbar (Numbers) is about various forms of legislation that shaped and enabled Israel as a single people to express its faith. Bamidbar (Numbers) concerns itself with Israel proclaiming in act and structure what it believes and not just how "nice" they are. The book says there is more to being God’s people than being nice and kind and upright. God’s people is to be a community of witness to whom the Lord is, to what he has done, is doing and will do. By living in the structured way they did the entire nation proclaimed a single faith. Ordinances and ritual have power that mustn’t be belittled or dismissed. There must be devoted hearts and individual commitment but the people of God must not be splintered into thousands of individual free-standing units. Ordinances and structures help to see that that doesn’t occur and that God’s people offer a united witness to the world.

We don't have to pretend that everything in the book of Numbers makes exciting reading to recognize that there's more in there than easily bored people are able to see. Maybe the problem isn't with the book. Didn't one man look at a masterpiece and say, "I don't see anything in that"? And didn't someone beside him say, "And don't you wish you could?"

Making God Centre by Jim McGuiggan

Making God Centre

It doesn't make a lot of sense to say, "If I were to do it all again I would" (this or that) because I would be speaking from my present experience--something I wouldn't have if I were truly beginning again. But I think you know what I mean. If I were to begin my life as a Christian again I would make the centre of it a Person--God himself.

That's not as simple as it sounds though I'm sure it's the right thing to do. Strange as it might sound, the centre of the Bible is not the Bible but the God of the Bible. The central subject in the Bible is God himself. It isn't all the interesting people and events and stories we read in the Bible. It isn't even the purpose of God that takes the central place in scriptureno, the centre is the God who has a purpose. The heart of the Bible is a Person!

Of course we can't get to know the God of the Bible without learning "things about him" but it's definitely the God of the Hebrew--Christian scriptures that we want to get to know. The word "God" means so many things in the world today but it's "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" we want and we won't settle for some other.

To make God, who is "personal," the centre is not only what he calls us to do, it is absolutely essential to our self-understanding and growth as humans. We can't pray to "the force" or "the stars" or "the ground of being". We can't "worship" creation itself (however much we love trees and the lovely things of nature) and we desperately need to believe in someone higher than ourselves. "Worshipping" health, fitness, education, intellect, acclaim, beauty, wealth or power isn't enough for us.

For all kinds of reasons the poet was right:

"When earth's lights are fading and stricken men call
To say less than 'God' is to say nothing at all
Life's ultimate hour calls for ultimate power
Only God's enough."

So If I were beginning again I'd focus on God himself.

Bible Reading, Jan. 29

Jan. 29

Genesis 29

Gen 29:1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east.

Gen 29:2 He looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well's mouth was large.

Gen 29:3 There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well's mouth in its place.

Gen 29:4 Jacob said to them, "My relatives, where are you from?" They said, "We are from Haran."

Gen 29:5 He said to them, "Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?" They said, "We know him."

Gen 29:6 He said to them, "Is it well with him?" They said, "It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep."

Gen 29:7 He said, "Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them."

Gen 29:8 They said, "We can't, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well's mouth. Then we water the sheep."

Gen 29:9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them.

Gen 29:10 It happened, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Gen 29:11 Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

Gen 29:12 Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son. She ran and told her father.

Gen 29:13 It happened, when Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister's son, that he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things.

Gen 29:14 Laban said to him, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. He lived with him for a month.

Gen 29:15 Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?"

Gen 29:16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

Gen 29:17 Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.

Gen 29:18 Jacob loved Rachel. He said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter."

Gen 29:19 Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you, than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me."

Gen 29:20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her.

Gen 29:21 Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her."

Gen 29:22 Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

Gen 29:23 It happened in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him. He went in to her.

Gen 29:24 Laban gave Zilpah his handmaid to his daughter Leah for a handmaid.

Gen 29:25 It happened in the morning that, behold, it was Leah. He said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Didn't I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"

Gen 29:26 Laban said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.

Gen 29:27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me yet seven other years."

Gen 29:28 Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife.

Gen 29:29 Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah, his handmaid, to be her handmaid.

Gen 29:30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.

Gen 29:31 Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

Gen 29:32 Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she named him Reuben. For she said, "Because Yahweh has looked at my affliction. For now my husband will love me."

Gen 29:33 She conceived again, and bore a son, and said, "Because Yahweh has heard that I am hated, he has therefore given me this son also." She named him Simeon.

Gen 29:34 She conceived again, and bore a son. Said, "Now this time will my husband be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore was his name called Levi.

Gen 29:35 She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, "This time will I praise Yahweh." Therefore she named him Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

Jan. 29, 30

Matthew 15

Mat 15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying,

Mat 15:2 "Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don't wash their hands when they eat bread."

Mat 15:3 He answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?

Mat 15:4 For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.'

Mat 15:5 But you say, 'Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God,"

Mat 15:6 he shall not honor his father or mother.' You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.

Mat 15:7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying,

Mat 15:8 'These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Mat 15:9 And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.' "

Mat 15:10 He summoned the multitude, and said to them, "Hear, and understand.

Mat 15:11 That which enters into the mouth doesn't defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."

Mat 15:12 Then the disciples came, and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?"

Mat 15:13 But he answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father didn't plant will be uprooted.

Mat 15:14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit."

Mat 15:15 Peter answered him, "Explain the parable to us."

Mat 15:16 So Jesus said, "Do you also still not understand?

Mat 15:17 Don't you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body?

Mat 15:18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man.

Mat 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.

Mat 15:20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."

Mat 15:21 Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.

Mat 15:22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!"

Mat 15:23 But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us."

Mat 15:24 But he answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

Mat 15:25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, help me."

Mat 15:26 But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

Mat 15:27 But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."

Mat 15:28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Mat 15:29 Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there.

Mat 15:30 Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them,

Mat 15:31 so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing-and they glorified the God of Israel.

Mat 15:32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way."

Mat 15:33 The disciples said to him, "Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?"

Mat 15:34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish."

Mat 15:35 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;

Mat 15:36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

Mat 15:37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.

Mat 15:38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.

Mat 15:39 Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.

Micah - Judgment Now, Blessings Later (6:1-7:20)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

            Micah - Judgment Now, Blessings Later (6:1-7:20)

INTRODUCTION

1. This is the third of three lessons in our survey of the book of 
   Micah...
   a. Micah was a prophet of God, a contemporary of Isaiah (ca. 735-700
      B.C.)
   b. His prophecies were directed to both Israel and Judah, though 
      mostly to the latter
   c. His general theme:  "Present Judgment, Future Blessings"

2. In his first message...
   a. He proclaimed "The Coming Judgment And Promised Restoration"
   b. In which he described:
      1) The judgment pronounced upon Israel and Judah - Mic 1:2-16
      2) The reasons for the coming judgment - Mic 2:1-11
      3) The promise of the restoration of a remnant - Mic 2:12-13

3. In his second message...
   a. He proclaimed "God's Condemnation of Israel, And The Future Hope"
   b. In which he described:
      1) God's condemnation of Israel's civil and religious leaders 
         - Mic 3:1-12
      2) The future exaltation of Zion and Messianic hope - Mic 4:1-5:15

4. In his third and final message, Micah's message is "God's Indictment
   of Israel, With A Promise Of Forgiveness And Restoration" - Mic 6:1-7:20

[Similar to what we saw in Hosea, the prophet Micah presents the Lord's
complaint as though He were taking Israel to court...]

I. THE LORD'S CONTROVERSY WITH ISRAEL

   A. GOD'S COMPLAINT...
      1. The people called to present their case against God, as He has
         a complaint against them - Mic 6:1-2
      2. How has the Lord wearied them?  Testify against Him! - Mic 6:3
      3. Did He not redeem them from Egyptian bondage with the aid of
         His servants Moses, Aaron, and Miriam? - Mic 6:4
      4. Remember how He even had Balaam counter the counsel of Balak 
         - Mic 6:5

   B. WHAT THE LORD REQUIRED OF THEM...
      1. What must they offer for their sins? - Mic 6:6-7
      2. What God wanted was for them to do justly, love mercy, and 
         walk humbly before Him - Mic 6:8

   C. THE PUNISHMENT FOR ISRAEL'S INJUSTICE...
      1. Justified, for they were full of dishonesty and violence - Mic 6:9-12
      2. Judgment is coming in the form of desolation, for they hold on
         to the idolatry of Omri and works of Ahab - Mic 6:13-16

[Once again, for the third time, Micah has foretold of the judgment to
come.  As before, he does not close without offering a hope for 
blessings in the future...]

II. A LAMENT FOLLOWED BY A PROMISE OF RESTORATION

   A. PERHAPS SPEAKING FOR THE FAITHFUL REMNANT, MICAH LAMENTS...
      1. His sorrow because the faithful man had perished - Mic 7:1-4
      2. Things are so bad, only the Lord can be trusted - Mic 7:5-7

   B. A CONFESSION OF SIN, WITH COMFORT IN WHAT THE LORD WILL BRING...
      1. His enemy is not to rejoice over him - Mic 7:8-10a
         a. For though he may fall, he will arise; the Lord will be a
            light to him
         b. He is willing to bear the indignation of the Lord, for he
            has sinned; he knows also that the Lord will eventually
            plead his case and execute justice for him
      2. He takes comfort in the future restoration of Zion - Mic 7:
         10b-13
         a. Though first to be trampled down like mire in the streets
         b. When restored, all will come to her (a messianic reference
            akin to Mic 4:1-2?)
         c. But first there will be desolation (cf. the destruction of
            the city by Babylon)

   C. A CLOSING PRAYER, WITH PRAISE TO GOD...
      1. A prayer for God's protection, to shepherd them as in days 
         gone by - Mic 7:14
      2. God answer:  "I will show them marvelous things" - Mic 7:15
      3. Micah's song of praise - Mic 7:16-20
         a. The nations shall be made afraid when they see what the 
            Lord has done
         b. Who is a God like Jehovah?
            1) Who pardons iniquity
            2) Who passes over the transgressions of the remnant of His
               heritage
            3) Who does not retain anger forever, for He delights in 
               mercy
            4) Who will again have compassion, subdue their sins, and 
               cast their sins away
            5) Who will give truth and mercy to Jacob and Abraham 
               (i.e., their descendants) as He has sworn from days of 
               old (cf. Gen 12:2-3)

CONCLUSION

1. Thus Micah ends his book like he ended each of his three messages:
   offering hope concerning the future for the people of Israel

2. In our previous lesson we noted how these promises concerning a 
   glorious future to a great extent were fulfilled "in the latter 
   days", beginning with the coming of our Lord
   a. Certainly the restoration and rebuilding of temple following
      Babylonian captivity was a partial fulfillment
   b. But even that was just a glimpse of what Jesus Christ would offer
      in His spiritual kingdom, which we now enjoy by being in Him

3. From Micah, we can learn a lot about...
   a. The nature of God - cf. Mic 7:18-20
   b. How God would have us live - cf. Mic 6:6-8

4. We also can have our faith strengthened by observing those 
   prophecies which have been fulfilled...
   a. Such as the birthplace of the Messiah - Mic 5:2
   b. Such as the establishment of the Lord's house - Mic 4:1-2

So while Micah may have been sent first to the nation of Israel, let's
not forget what Peter said concerning the Old Testament prophets...

   "To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they
   were ministering the things which now have been reported to you
   through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy 
   Spirit sent from heaven; things which angels desire to look into."

                                        (1Pe 1:12)

Yes, when the prophets like Micah foretold of the "the glories that
would follow", they were serving us who would be later be in the 
kingdom of God. Do we appreciate how blessed we are?  If so, then let's
also do what God requires of us, as expressed in Micah's own words:

   "to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God"

                                        (Mic 6:8)

Micah - Judgment Now, Blessings Later (3:1-5:15)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

            Micah - Judgment Now, Blessings Later (3:1-5:15)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson on the book of Micah...
   a. We briefly considered some background material
      1) Concerning Micah, the man
         a) His name means "Who is like Jehovah?"
         b) He was from Moresheth-Gath, 20-25 miles SW of Jerusalem
         c) A contemporary of Isaiah
         d) A prophet of the poor and downtrodden
      2) Concerning Micah, the book
         a) The prophecies occurred around 735-700 B.C.
         b) They were directed toward both Israel and Judah
         c) The general theme appears to be "Present Judgment, Future
            Blessings"
   b. We briefly considered the first of three messages in the book
      1) Each message begins with "Hear..." - Mic 1:2; 3:1; 6:1
      2) The first message proclaimed "The Coming Judgment And Promised
         Restoration", as it described:
         a) The judgment pronounced upon Israel and Judah - Mic 1:2-16
         b) The reasons for the coming judgment - Mic 2:1-11
         c) The promise of the restoration of a remnant - Mic 2:12-13

2. In this lesson, we shall consider Micah's second message...
   a. As presented in Mic 3:1-5:15
   b. Which follows a similar theme as in the previous message:
      1) God's condemnation of Israel
      2) With a glimpse of the future hope

[This second message has much more to say about the future hope, 
especially regarding the Messiah.  But it begins with...]

I. GOD'S CONDEMNATION OF ISRAEL'S LEADERS

   A. INDICTMENT OF ISRAEL'S CIVIL LEADERS...
      1. The outrageous conduct of the rulers - Mic 3:1-3
         a. They hate good and love evil
         b. They consume the people (i.e., oppress them)
      2. The judgment to come upon them - Mic 3:4
         a. They will cry to the Lord, but He will not hear them
         b. He will hide His face from them

   B. INDICTMENT OF ISRAEL'S RELIGIOUS LEADERS...
      1. The judgment to come upon the false prophets - Mic 3:5-7
         a. Because they lead God's people astray
         b. They shall have no vision, they shall be made ashamed
      2. Micah's own ministry, in contrast to that of the false 
         prophets - Mic 3:8
         a. He is full of the power of the Spirit, and of justice and 
            might
         b. He declares the transgression and sin of Israel

   C. INDICTMENT OF ISRAEL'S LEADERS RENEWED...
      1. Addressing once again the rulers of Israel, their sins are
         categorized - Mic 3:9-11
         a. They abhor justice and pervert equity (fairness)
         b. They build up Jerusalem with bloodshed and iniquity
         c. Whether judges, priests, or prophets, they do it only for
            the money, belying their claim to trust in the Lord
      2. The judgment to come upon Israel because of them - Mic 3:12
         a. Zion shall be plowed like a field
         b. Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins

[This prophecy of Micah was fulfilled when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem
in 586 B. C. (cf. 2Ch 36:17-21). But his message is not finished; as
ominous as it was in proclaiming the coming judgment, he now continues
with a glimpse into the future...]

II. THE FUTURE EXALTATION OF ZION AND MESSIANIC HOPE

   A. THE GLORY TO COME IN "THE LATTER DAYS"...
      1. What will happen "in the latter days"
         a. The "mountain of the Lord's house" will be established, and
            many people will want to go it - Mic 4:1-2
         b. They will want to learn of God's ways, and the word of the
            Lord will go forth from Jerusalem - Mic 4:2
         c. The Lord will judge the nations, and there will be peace 
            - Mic 4:3
         d. Everyone will be content, walking in the name of the Lord
            forever - Mic 4:4-5
         -- Isaiah had a similar prophecy - Isa 2:1-4
      2. What is the fulfillment of this prophecy?
         a. Some believe it is all yet to come (e.g., premillenialists)
         b. Some believe it is all past (e.g., some amillenialists)
         c. I am inclined to believe there are past, present, and
            future elements
            1) It began in Jerusalem with the preaching of the gospel
               on Pentecost
               a) For Peter identifies the events of that day as 
                  beginning the fulfillment of what would occur in the
                  "last days" - cf. Joel 2:28-32; Ac 2:16-17
               b) For Jesus said the gospel would go forth from 
                  Jerusalem as prophesied - Lk 24:46-47; cf. Mic 4:2;
                  Isa 2:3
            2) It continues as people respond to the gospel that 
               originated from Jerusalem
               a) Such people "have come to Mount Zion" - He 12:22-24;
                  cf. Mic 4:2
               b) They learn the ways of the Lord - Ep 4:20-24; cf. 
                  Mic 4:2
            3) The "judging among many people" may be both present and
               future
               a) The book of Revelation reveals the Lord as judging 
                  both in the present and in the future - cf. Re 1:5;
                  2:26-27; 17:14; 20:11-15
               b) Peter viewed some of Isaiah's prophecies as yet to be
                  fulfilled - 2Pe 3:13; cf. Isa 65:17-19; 66:22
               c) Therefore Mic 4:3-5 may find some of its fulfillment
                  in the eternal destiny of the redeemed, as part of 
                  the "New Jerusalem" of the "new heaven and new earth"
                  described in Re 21-22
      3. As Micah continues, he describes what will occur "in that day"
         - Mic 4:6-8
         a. The Lord will assemble a remnant of those whom He afflicted
            - cf. Ro 11:5
         b. He will reign over them forever - cf. Lk 1:30-33
         -- I understand that the fulfillment of this prophecy began 
            with the first coming of Christ, and that the church is a
            spiritual kingdom in which the "former dominion" of Israel
            has been restored and given to Jesus who reigns from heaven
            - cf. Mt 28:18; Ac 1:6-8; 2:30-36; Re 1:5; 2:26-27; 3:21

   B. THE DISTRESS AND CAPTIVITY BEFORE RESTORATION...
      1. The "Now" of Mic 4:9 suggests that Micah has returned from his
         glimpse of the future hope to what will occur in the immediate
         present
      2. Their judgment will involve distress like a woman in labor, as
         they will be delivered to Babylon, from which they will also 
         be redeemed - Mic 4:9-10
      3. Even "now", many nations (e.g., Assyria) have come up against
         them - Mic 4:11-5:1
         a. Who seek to defile Zion, whom God will use to break them
           into many pieces
         b. Yet the daughter of Zion (Israel) shall be humbled also 
            - cf. Mic 5:1

   C. THE COMING MESSIAH...
      1. Here we find the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace - Mic 5:2; cf. Mt 2:1-6
         a. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah
         b. He would become the ruler of Israel - cf. Isa 9:6-7; Lk 1:30-33
         c. His "goings forth have been from old, from everlasting" 
            - cf. Jn 1:1-3
      2. The Messiah will lead His people in peace - Mic 5:3-5a
         a. Though first they must be given up for a short time 
            (Babylonian captivity)
         b. Then a remnant shall return, whom the Ruler shall feed in
            the strength of the Lord
      
   D. FURTHER JUDGMENT ON ISRAEL AND HER ENEMIES...
      1. Some take this section to be Messianic
      2. I tend to take it as pertaining to Micah's day and those that
         followed shortly after...
         a. The Assyrian threat would prove to be no real threat (for 
            Judah - Mic 5:5b-6; cf. Isa 36-37
         b. When the remnant is dispersed (as a result of Babylonian
            captivity), they shall be a lion among flocks of sheep 
            - Mic 5:7-9 (e.g., Daniel, Esther?)
         c. God would cut off her false strengths (such as horses and
            chariots, cf. Isa 31:1) and her idolatry - Mic 5:10-15

CONCLUSION

1. With the recurrent theme in his messages ("Present Judgment, Future
   Blessings"), Micah's purpose appears to be two-fold...
   a. To warn the people, that they may repent as necessary
   b. To encourage the people, that their hope for the future might 
      help them to endure the hard times to come

2. A similar two-fold message is found in the New Testament as well...
   a. Warnings to persevere, lest we fall away - e.g., He 4:1,11
   b. Promises to encourage us for whatever lies ahead - e.g., 2Pe 3:
      13-14

3. Today, we have an advantage over the Israelites of Micah's day...
   a. We have already seen much of his prophecy fulfilled with the 
      first coming of the Messiah
   b. As Peter wrote, "we also have the prophetic word made more sure"
      - 2Pe 1:19
   c. Made more sure by virtue of its fulfillment, it can serve to 
      comfort us and strengthen our hope regarding any future promise 
      of God - cf. Ro 15:4
   -- If God kept His promise concerning the first coming of His 
      Messiah, we can have confidence He will keep His promise 
      concerning His return!

Perhaps that is why Peter went on to say concerning "the prophetic 
word" (e.g., The Minor Prophets)...

   "which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place,
   until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts"
                                                      (2Pe 1:19)

By careful study and consideration of the prophets, both in the Old
Testament and New Testament, our hope for the future is strengthened!

Micah - Judgment Now, Blessings Later (1:1-2:13)

                    "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS"

            Micah - Judgment Now, Blessings Later (1:1-2:13)

INTRODUCTION

1. The eighth century (800-700 B.C.) was filled with prophetic 
   activity...
   a. Starting with Jonah, who prophesied to the city of Nineveh (790
      B.C.)
   b. Continuing with prophets sent primarily to the northern kingdom 
      of Israel
      1) Amos (755 B.C.)
      2) Hosea (750-725 B.C.)
   c. The southern kingdom of Judah was also the recipient of God's 
      prophets
      1) Isaiah (740-700 B.C.)
      2) Micah (735-700 B.C.)

2. In our study of "The Minor Prophets"...
   a. We have looked at the works of Jonah, Amos, and Hosea
   b. We now come to the works of Micah, the last prophet of the eighth
      century B.C.

[Before we take a look at the messages of Micah as recorded in his 
book, it may be helpful to first look at some...]

I. BACKGROUND MATERIAL

   A. MICAH - THE MAN...
      1. His name means "Who is like Jehovah?" - cf. Mic 7:18
      2. His home was Moresheth-Gath - Mic 1:1,14
         a. In the lowlands of Judah, near Philistia
         b. About 20-25 miles southwest of Jerusalem
      3. Nothing is known of his occupation prior to becoming God's 
         prophet
      4. Characterization
         a. "He was the prophet of the poor and downtrodden." (Homer
            Hailey)
         b. "He had Amos' passion for justice and Hosea's heart for 
            love." (J.M.P. Smith)
         c. Comparing Micah to his contemporary Isaiah (as suggested by
            Hailey)
            1) Micah was a man of the fields, Isaiah was of the city
            2) Micah took little interest in politics, giving himself
               to the concern over spiritual and moral problems; Isaiah
               was in close contact with world affairs, the associate 
               of kings and princes
            3) Both Micah and Isaiah...
               a) Saw God as the infinite Ruler of nations and men
               b) Recognized the absolute holiness and majesty of God
               c) Stressed that violating principles of God's divine 
                  sovereignty and holiness would bring judgment and 
                  doom

   B. MICAH - THE BOOK...
      1. The date:  735-700 B.C.
         a. During the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of 
            Judah - Mic 1:1
         b. Just as the northern kingdom of Israel was falling under 
            Assyria's attack
      2. The message:  "Present Judgment, Future Blessings"
         a. Judgment is coming because of Israel's unfaithfulness to
            God
         b. Blessings will come because of God's faithfulness to Israel
            1) Cf. the promise God made to Abraham - Gen 22:18
            2) God would fulfill in the person of Jesus Christ - cf.
               Ac 3:24-26
      3. A brief outline:  The book appears to contain three messages
         or oracles, all beginning with the word "Hear"; therefore the
         book can be divided as follows:
         a. The coming judgment, with a promise of restoration - Mic 1:
            1-2:13
         b. God's condemnation of Israel, with a glimpse of the future
            hope - Mic 3:1-5:15
         c. God's indictment of Israel, with a plea for repentance and
            promise of forgiveness - Mic 6:1-7:20

[In the remaining part of this lesson, let's take look at Micah's first
message...]

II. THE COMING JUDGMENT AND PROMISED RESTORATION (1:1-2:13)

   A. JUDGMENT PRONOUNCED ON ISRAEL AND JUDAH...
      1. Micah's message is for both Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem 
         (Judah) - Mic 1:1
      2. The Lord announces His coming judgment - Mic 1:2-5
      3. The destruction of Samaria (representing the northern kingdom
         of Israel) - Mic 1:6-7
      4. Micah's mourning - Mic 1:8-16
         a. For the judgment has reached even Judah and Jerusalem
         b. His lament involves making a play on words involving the 
            names of cities; for example...
            1) "Tell it not in Gath" (Gath is similar to the Hebrew 
               word for "tell")
            2) "Weep not at all in Beth Aphrah, Roll yourself in the 
               dust" (Beth Aphrah means "house of dust")
            3) "Pass by in naked shame, you inhabitant of Shaphir"
               (Shaphir means "fair, beautiful, pleasant")
            4) "The inhabitant of Zaanan does not go out" (Zaanan means
               "come out")
            5) "Beth Ezel mourns; its place to stand is taken away 
               from you" (Beth Ezel can be paraphrased as "nearby 
               house")
         c. As revealed in verse 16, their judgment will involve 
            captivity

   B. REASONS FOR THE INEVITABLE JUDGMENT...
      1. The arrogance and violence of the nobles - Mic 2:1-5
         a. For coveting fields and taking them by violence
         b. So it will happen to them
      2. For rejecting true prophets, and accepting false ones - Mic 2:6-11
         a. They tell the prophets of God not to speak of God's words
         b. They abuse the people of God
         c. Destruction is coming, because they are defiled and accept
            false prophets

   C. RESTORATION PROMISED...
      1. It will involve God assembling a remnant - Mic 2:12
      2. God will lead them like a flock of sheep, with a king at their
         head - Mic 2:12-13

CONCLUSION

1. Later, Micah will tell us more about the ultimate fulfillment of 
   that restoration, and from where that "king" shall arise who shall
   lead God's flock! - cf. Mic 5:2-5

2. But for now we have seen that Micah certainly follows the pattern of
   God's prophets at that time...
   a. Proclaiming the coming judgment, which would involve captivity
   b. Providing the basis for such judgment, describing the nature of
      their sins and departure from God
   c. Promising that God would one day restore the good fortunes of 
      Israel, but requiring repentance and involving a "remnant"

3. How sad that many in Israel and Judah did not heed the words of such
   men like Micah, Amos, Hosea, and Isaiah...
   a. But are we heeding God's spokesmen for today?
   b. Such as His apostles Peter and Paul, and of course, His Son Jesus
      Christ?

We would do well to remember the preaching of Micah as we read in the 
New Testament...

   "For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we 
   have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the word spoken
   through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and
   disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if
   we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first 
   spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who 
   heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and 
   wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit
   according to His own will.  (He 2:1-4)

Israel as a nation failed to heed the message sent to them; are we 
heeding the message for us today?