8/3/2012
Micah 3
-This next section beginning with the imperative to “hear”
what the LORD is saying in regards to the national leaders for the purpose of
them to know “justice (Micah 3:1).” The prophet makes his case against them for
their love of evil in showing no compassion for the people by ripping them
apart using a cannibal type analogy. The LORD is announcing that these false
prophets will have no vision (Micah 3:5-6). They will be shamed and embarrassed
because of their treachery and godless living. *Application* This is a classic
example from Scripture about how people will rise no higher than their
leadership in a society, culture, or church. Jesus clarifies this point with
His own disciples (Matthew 10:24-25, Luke 6:39-40). We must be careful of to whom
we listen and allow to persuade us in our free society. We ultimately are under
the influence of one King and Lord who is the Head, even Jesus Christ our
Savior. He is our perfect example and we should imitate and follow His lead.
Jesus warned us often about false teachers and influencers. Be discerning and
don’t be fooled by evil men that subvert and pervert the truth. If you happen
to be a leader of people, don’t use your position for personal advantage and
destroy the spirit of the people under your authority. As we see here, God sees
and holds us all accountable for our actions, thoughts, and motives. Seek
justice and true peace with courage.
-Micah is the true man of God as we see in Micah 3:8. He is
filled with four incredible things as the servant of the most High. He, in
antithesis of the corrupt leaders, has: 1. power, 2. the Spirit of the LORD, 3.
justice, and 4. courage. It is because of his walk with the LORD that he knows
the way of the upright and receives blessing (Micah 2:7). *Application* We see
here four unique qualities of one who remains faithful even when the society
around him is stumbling and errant. O that we would embrace the ways of God and
gain these four virtuous attributes in our daily living.
-After giving his case for being a true servant of God in
power, Micah resumes his denouncement of Israel’s inept leaders and their
qualities. They abhor justice and twist everything that is straight (Micah
3:9), they build with bloodshed and violence (Micah 3:10), they pronounce
judgment for a bribe (Micah 3:11a), and they instruct for a price (Micah
3:11b). They negate any wrongdoing and claim that nothing bad will happen to
them, even saying that the LORD is with them in their midst (Micah 3:11c). The
LORD will hold them responsible for their faulty leadership and destroy their
land. Zion (the mountain Jerusalem sits on) will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem
will become a heap of ruins, and the mountain of the temple will become high
places of a forest (Micah 3:12). This actually happened in 586 B.C. as the
Babylonians destroyed the city and again under the Romans in 70 A.D.
*Application* Money still has a way of controlling things in our modern age. Leaders
and pastors who cater to the demands of the wealthy even to the detriment of
what is right and good by what the LORD wants to do in a church is tantamount
to accepting a bribe just like Micah denounces and abhors by the Spirit of God.
If you are a leader who is swayed by people with money, beware! God is not for
you and this is a bribe. Leaders cannot always be people pleasers. Don’t remain
silent; speak up for what is right and Godly no matter what the cost. Your
well-being and success is ultimately in the hands of God and He is who you
should please above all.
Verses to Memorize:
Micah 3:8, 11
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