Bible Chapter: Micah 5 & 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Every year at Christmas time there is a verse from the prophets that is read often.  Micah 5:2 tells us that Bethlehem, though it is little among Judah, will bring forth the One to be Ruler in Israel.  Micah prophesied that a godly ruler would come out of Bethlehem and fulfill God’s promises to His people.  We see this fulfilled in the birth of Jesus.  In the midst of this exciting prophecy of the coming Messiah, there is also the sad news that Israel will be abandoned.  This would happen and Israel would go its way and suffer the consequences of its actions.  Somehow the nation would have to survive without the blessings God planned for them as they waited for the Promised One.
The Promised One will be their peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  He will bring lasting peace to Israel.  He gives God’s peace to each one that accepts His sacrifice for their sins on the cross and receives God’s forgiveness.  Jesus sets believers free from eternal punishment.
God did say He had a case, a dispute against the people. He required that they come forward to hear His accusations.  Could they possibly justify their evil actions? They had, through their actions, rejected the covenant with God.  As I read this it seemed to be a very scary situation to be in.  For God to say He has a case against someone means that they are in trouble.  God is never wrong and only brings accusations against the guilty.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I remember when I was in college that we learned a chorus based on Micah 6:8.  It is an excellent summary of God’s expectation of His people.  What does God require?  Require, that’s a strong word.  He expects us to do (act) justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.  He is speaking of our actions and motivations.  It is a clear and complete statement of God’s expectations. God expects believers to be fair and honest, to love mercy as we show genuine compassion, and walk humbly with God.  We sang that song a lot. This was during a time of a powerful move of God among the students and it spoke volumes to us.  This passage is an amazing message of Who God is and what He requires of His followers.  It is some excellent practical teaching about the life of a believer.

3.  How can I help someone?
Look at Who God is, how He reveals Himself.  Look at His expectations.  The world would be much better off if people would simply follow God’s ways.