* Micah was also a prophet (same time as Isaiah)
* He warned that God was going to use the nation of Assyria to take down Samaria and ravage Jerusalem
* a large majority of the book of Micah is written to explore his accusations
* leaders & prophets (theft and greed)
* injustice (bend laws to favor wealthy, take advantage of poor)
* there is also a counter message of restoration
* Micah tells the people exactly what God wants and I think this message still applies for us today
* Micah 6:8
* No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
* This verse shows us things that God desires of us:
* First, do justice!
* emphasis is on “doing justice.” Justice is something one does.
* For Micah, this includes particularly the right treatment of the poor in the legal system and in settings in which the rich could take advantage of them.
* There is always something to do.
* there are issues of justice all around us in terms of the poor, and we need to be involved in dealing with these issues – issues of hunger, poverty, housing, etc.
* the Christian way of sharing or justice includes many things, but definitely these two things: personal generosity and public justice
* Second, love kindness! (mercy)
* more general orientation in life.
* The word “kindness” translates a Hebrew word “hesed” that often refers to God’s faithfulness to God’s promises and the prophet’s use of the term should be measured against such references.
* The word is sometimes translated “steadfast love” or “faithful, loving kindness” or “covenant love.” The term implies steadfastness, reliability, and faithfulness to one’s obligations.
* since God’s “hesed” for Israel is characterized by graciousness and unmerited care, it also implies mercy.
* Human expressions of “hesed” therefore include showing mercy and forgiveness and compassion to those around us.
* Therefore, “love kindness” means to “devote one’s life to kindness.”
* Third, walk humbly!
* refers to action that is modest and careful.
* In the Old Testament, Proverbs 11:2, walking humbly does not refer to the downplaying of one’s ability.
* Rather, it has to do with the constant awareness of God’s sovereignty. And such awareness produces in turn and awareness and consideration of other people. If we are informed, if a person is truly humbled before God, he or she will naturally do justice and show mercy as a by-product of having mercy and justice from God.
Where is Jesus?
* Micah 5:2-3
* prophesy of the Messianic kingdom
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