The Message of Micah: What the Lord Requires

The Message of Micah: What the Lord RequiresText: Micah 6:6-8

In this series, we are going to do an overview of the Minor Prophets. The goal is to (1) understand the overall theme of each book and (2) see what lessons there are for us. In this lesson, we are going to see what we can learn from the book of Micah.

Historical Context

  • Prophesied prior to the Assyrian captivity in 734 BC – concerning Samaria and Jerusalem (1:1)
  • During “the days of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah” (1:1) – Jotham did right in the sight of the Lord, but did not take away the high places (2 Kings 15:34-35); Ahaz did not do what was right, even sacrificing his own son (2 Kings 16:2-3); Hezekiah did right, removing idols, no other king like him (2 Kings 18:3-6)

Overall Theme: What the Lord Requires

  • Most quoted verse is Micah 6:8 – also represents the theme of the book; God requires justice, mercy, and humble obedience
  • The people failed to do this – there was no substitute for this (6:6-7)
  • God would prove Himself to be an example of justice and mercy and be worthy of leading His people

Main Points

  • Society had become corrupt (7:1-6) – idolatry (1:7); oppression (2:1-2); corrupt rulers, prophets, and priests (3:1-3, 5, 11)
  • Judgment was coming – from Assyria (5:5) and from Babylon (4:10); these contain prophecies of deliverance, but captivity must come first; this is the judgment
  • God offered hope – this is seen in the prophecies contained in the book; prophecy of the coming kingdom (4:1-3); prophecy of restoration after Babylonian captivity (4:10) and deliverance from the Assyrians (5:6-7); prophecy of the coming of Christ (5:2-5)
  • Wait for the God of salvation (7:7) – the reasons give fit with the three things that God requires (6:8); God would execute judgment (7:9-13); God would have compassion (7:18-20); God would lead His people (7:14)

Lessons for Us

  • We must not become corrupted by society – like Micah, we live in a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15); do not be conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2)
  • Salvation is only from God – He is the only one who could extend grace leading to salvation (Titus 2:11); cannot be found outside of Christ (Acts 4:12); we must find salvation in Him (John 1:12; Hebrews 5:9)
  • We must do what God requires – there is no substitute for this; do justice by treating others fairly (Matthew 7:12); love mercy by being forgiving (Ephesians 4:32), patient (1 Thessalonians 5:14), and helpful (Galatians 6:10); walk humbly with God by submitting to His will (James 4:6-7) and obeying His word (James 1:22)

Conclusion

  • Micah reminds us of what is important – do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God
  • With everything that is going on around us, let us not lose sight of this