Let Love Flow

O. T. #2177  "Let Love Flow"

April 25, 2022

Micah 1

LET IT GLOW

Since we are studying about the prediction of destruction of Israel and Judah coming if they did not change from worshiping idols to worshiping God, I think we could use some more encouraging words from John. So look with me in 1 John 4:15-17:

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he is God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love: and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.

If we have trusted in Jesus as our Savior, then he has delivered us from the power of sin, Satan, and death. He want us to communicate that saving love to others. The one who remains in love remains in God. We are to hang out with Him, filled with His love, then seek out opportunities to express God's love. So let's live the day with God's love and pour it out to others.

[Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary] 

LET IT GROW

Keep in mind that it is because God loves His people that He will not let them get away with sinning, chastising them so they come to repentance. The Word of the LORD came to Micah for Samaria and Jerusalem, capitals of Israel and Judah, as well as the kings. (verse 1)

The first message was warning them of destruction coming if God's people did not turn from worshiping idols back to worshiping God. What do we read concerning this?

• The people were called to hear and hearken to the Words of the LORD God. (verse 2)
• At the beginning of this prophecy, Jehovah was set in the role of Judge in heaven, in His holy Temple. (verse 2)
• He is leaving His throne to trample the heights of the earth. (verse 3)
• Volcanoes will explode, flowing down like wax in a fire into the valleys from the mountains, like water pouring down a hill. (verse 4)
• It will happen because of the rebellion of Israel and the sins of the whole nation-idolatry and prostitution in ritual worship of idols, and injustice toward others. (verses 5, 7b, chapter 2)
• Samaria will be a heap of ruins, plowed up streets, walls broken down, carved images smashed, and sacred treasures burned. (verses 6-7)

Back in Exodus 20:3-5, God told Israel to have no other gods before Him, to not make any graven images to bow down in worship and service. ... for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God...

God will not share His glory or worship with another. His Commandments were given as a covenant with God's people at Mt. Sinai. It broke God's heart when His children broke His rules and commands. They had committed spiritual adultery. (Jeremiah 13:27) Yet they would not turn, agree with God about their sins, and repent.

Centers of idolatry were financed primarily through payments of money, food, and clothing to cultic prostitutes, who were strictly forbidden in Israel. (MacArthur)

This prophecy was about 20 years before Assyria captured Samaria and Israel. (Judah followed them down the same road of sin and was captured some 120 years after Israel. A Holy God had to discipline His children. Other nations were watching, too.

LET IT GO

Remain a faithful worshipper and servant of God.

Live in His ways and will.

Do not be drawn into false god worship.

Jesus calls us to deny self, our selfish ambitions and pleasure, taking up our cross, and following Him. (Matthew 16:24)

Holy Spirit, fill us with love, flowing down from heaven and to others.