Restoration is Ahead

O. T. #2181 "Restoration is Ahead"

April 29, 2022

Micah 2-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Today we can find the umph needed to pick us up and give us strength to carry on today. Even though the prophet Micah exposed the sins of Israel and Judah and announcing judgment coming, he gave hope, also.

In verses 12 and 13, we find God's promise of restoration of His beloved children. It was the remnant of the faithful believers that would be gathered together after the captivities into Assyria and Babylon back into their Promised Land. (verse 12)

Now the sheep of Bozrah will gaze in a rich pasture. When the LORD is our Shepherd, He will make us, His sheep, to lie down in green pastures.(Ps. 23) There will be great joy in the restored and redeemed people. 

It is during the Millennium reign of Christ as King when the people will experience restoration. Verse 13 calls Jesus the breaker, which refers to burst out; come (spread) abroad; disperse.

Jesus will break through the clouds and all will see Him when He returns to earth.

He will break down every obstacle between the people and their God. He will forgive their sins, restore them, and implant within them a new heart. Jesus will lead them and restore them and rule over them. No one will stop or hinder the Messiah's work. He is LORD Jehovah!

 

LET IT GROW

The NIV says it this way, The Messiah is One who breaks open the way.

Right now, the eastern gate is sealed with concrete, but that is no problem for Jesus to bring down or burst through.

In John 10:9 , Jesus says, I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

If Christ is the door in our life, He will guide us into every experience of Him that He wants, and there will be nothing that people can do to stop Him. Through Christ we have the assurance that we have access to everything He wants to do in and through us.

LET IT GO

Prepare our hearts for what You want to do in and through us today, Jesus.

Reign as King on the throne of our hearts.

We turn to You for peace in our times of trouble.

Is Stoning the Speaker Loving Others?

O. T. #2180  "Is Stoning the Speaker Loving Others?"

April 28, 2022

Micah 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

According to 1 John 5:1-3, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah/Christ has been born of God and are His child. Everyone who loves the Father also loves His children, too. His commands are not burdensome when we love God and obey His commands.

We are simply called to love and accept our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is God who determines the ones in His family. How well are we treating our fellow family members? Loving them results in no hurting them, forgiving them, and loving them as our self.

LET IT GROW

The two particular sins of Israel included covetousness and listening to false prophets. Therefore, Micah's messages were unpopular, but true. the Israelites wanted Micah to stop preaching. God defends His messenger, so he was not wrong, but the hearers were wrong. Just because they were special people, did not mean they did not sin or disobey.

When a kingdom man speaks God's truth, the unrighteous don't want to hear it, as in Stephen's case, they stoned him to death. The Jews insisted that none of Micah's words on God's judgment would happen. (verse 6) the preferred a preacher who would say that wine and beer were alright to drink, as well as overindulgence and pleasure. (verse 11) Sounds familiar?

We should be sure that we are listening to a man who gets his messages directly from the Word of God and led by the Spirit. If a message seems harsh, recall how God treated Israel. He wanted them to repent of their sins and get back on the right path, His path. God's Word keeps us going in the right direction. Discipline is not easy to accept. So don't stone the speaker. It is because God loves us that He wants us to do right.Take heed least we fall into sin.

LET IT GO

Help us love others as You love us.

May we hear with spiritual ears the Words of God and obey them.

Bless all who read this today, Father.

Loving Others

O. T. #2179  "Loving Others"

April 27, 2022

LET IT GLOW

Who do we love? Think about it, friend. do we only love those who are loveable or returns love to us? Or do we love the unloveable and those who won't return love to us?

We love Him, because He first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:19-21)

Since God is our source of love, we should be spreading it like fire. When we love others, they are warmed by God's love through us. So our love should not be limited to believers, but to the lost. How else will they know and experience the love of God? We can't truly love God while neglecting to love those who are created in His image.

LET IT GROW

According to Wiersbe, Micah gives 3 messages of what was coming to Judah and Israel: Judgment (chapters 1-2), a Ruler/Deliverer(chapters 3-5), and the Kingdom (chapters 6-7).

In chapter 1, we read about God's judgment and wrath that was coming if His people did not repent of their sins and turn back to worshiping only God and obeying His commands. Also, the prophet mourned for his people and nation.

We know that in 722 BC the Assyrian army conquered Samaria, the capital of Israel, the northern kingdom. Not only was there idolatry and prostitution as sins ruining the people, but also was covetousness (verses 1-5) and false prophets (verses 6-11).

How did they carry out their problem of covetousness?

• They lay awake at night thinking up evil plans. (verse 1)
• At dawn they hurry to carry them out because they have the power (money) to do so. (verse 2)
• When they want a piece of land, they find a way to seize it.
• When they want someone's house, they take it by fraud and violence.
• They cheat a man of his property, stealing his family's inheritance.

That is why the Lord punished the evil doers. Money means power, and the ungodly are able to carry through that which is wrong by using it. By it, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Israel had been told how to treat each other. God planned to put around those necks the chains of bondage. Their enemies would make fun of them with songs of despair.

What can we learn from this? A person's thoughts and plans reflect their character. Injustice spreads in a nation and destroys the people from the inside out. Privilege brings responsibility, which brings accountability.

Are we robbing our children of our time with them, working long hours so they can have more money, things, and fun? Do we rob God of tithes and offerings so we can have the good life?

 

LET IT GO

    ... of those bad feelings and forgive others so we can be forgiven.

    ... of harsh words so we can be a blessing to others today.

    ... of fear and trust God with it all; whatever He deems best is best.

    ... of pride, jealousy, covetousness so we can be thankful.

Love as Christ loves us so He can love through us.

                   

Towns

O. T. #2178  "Towns"

April 26, 2022

Micah 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Just in a week's time, the springtime rains brought green fields, trees leafing out, redbuds and dogwoods shining among the woods. And I am thankful for eyes to see the beauty of God's creation. I hope you had a refreshing weekend as I.

1 John 4:18 says, There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Are you afraid of the future, eternity, or God's judgment? Remind yourself of God's love . He loves perfectly (Rom. 8:38-39) God's love is perfect. The Greek word for love used here is agape, which means affection or benevolence; love; dear.

It is God's kind of immeasurable love for us. It is His kind of love that resolve our fears as believers in Jesus Christ, God's Son.

Everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Christian, don't think of it as a trial to determine your salvation but as the Judge's opportunity to evaluate the Christian life you lived. (2 Cor.5:10) In spite of our sins and failures, if we actively sought to minister in love to members of God's family, we will be able to stand with confidence on that day because "love covers a multitude of offenses." (1 Peter 4:8)

So we have no reason to fear our future. Just ask God to love others through you. His love quiets your fears and gives you confidence. 

Are your sins covered with the blood of Jesus? Have you asked Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior?

When our works are put in the fire, will they come out as gold or will they be burnt up as hay, wood, stubble?

LET IT GROW

In the rest of chapter 1, Micah deeply mourned and personally grieved the coming destruction of Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah). He was from Judah and loved his family of Jews. Oh that they would only repent of their spiritual idolatry and turn back to worshiping only God.

Devastation was coming upon Judah and it would overflow up to the gates of Jerusalem. The Assyrians did sweep through the northern kingdom  (722 BC) and threatened the very gates of Jerusalem. The destruction of Jerusalem (586 BC). They had been warned by the prophet Isaiah.

The Assyrians were a strong army under Sennacherib. Micah mentions specific towns conquered. Take a look at the meanings of each one:

• Gath-Weep-town, but they were not to weep at Weep-town;
• Aphrah-Dust-town, putting dust upon the head was a sign of the deepest grief;
• Saphir-Beauty-town, as the inhabitants passed away, nothing is known about them;
• Zaanan-March-town, which did not march after conquered;
• Maroth-Bitter town, which had a bitter report of the Assyrians coming instead of a good report;
• Lachish-Horse-town, which had great stables, but the horses were used in worship of the sun god Apollo;
• Moresheth-gath-Home town of Micah;
• Achzib-Lie-town, where its inhabitants were given over to lies.

[Resource: The Prophets Jonah and Micah by J. Vernon McGee]

Verse 16 refers to the sorrow shown by shaving of the heads when the children were taken away captive or killed. No wonder Micah was mourning as God revealed to him the future of the cities in Israel and Judah. Who wouldn't?

Folks, do we mourn over the spiritual condition of our nation, our state, our city, our neighbors? How it should sadden us! Are we praying for repentance, a turn around in behavior and  godly laws and leaders?

LET IT GO

Live until we die, helping and loving others to Jesus.

Stand up against sin, sinful laws, for the glory of God.

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.

 

 

Anyone Anywhere

O. T. #2176 "Anyone Anywhere"

April 22, 2022

Introduction to Micah

According to verse 1, the Word of the LORD came to Micah so he would prophesy what God was about to do to Israel, the Northern Kingdom and Jerusalem.

The Author

Micah was a country boy, like Hosea, called by God to a specific purpose. He lived about 25 miles south of Jerusalem at Moresheth-gath, being from Judah, which was the Southern Kingdom. This was a productive agricultural area.

Micah's name means Who is like the LORD/Jehovah? He uses a play on words in his writings, indicating the question, Who is like unto God, in prophesying, proclaiming, pleading, pardoning?

Date of the Book

Micah prophesies during their reigns of 3 kings in Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, from 750 BC to 686 BC. There was social injustices and religious corruption during that time.

Micah's words of judgment were spoken shortly before Israel was captured by Assyria in 722 BC.

Background

What was happening in Israel and Judah during that time?

King Jotham, son of Uzziah, continued the same policies as his father, but failed to remove the centers of idolatry. Worship of the Canaanite fertility god Baal was integrated with the OT sacrificial systems under Ahaz.

Syria and Israel invaded Judah, taking the wicked King Ahaz captive. After Assyria had overthrown Syria and Israel, the good king Hezekiah withdrew his allegiance to Assyria, causing Sennacherib to besiege Jerusalem in 701 BC. The Lord then sent His angel to deliver Judah killing 185,000 soldiers. Hezzekiah was used by the Lord to lead Judah back to true worship.

Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC. When Samaria, its capital, fell, thousands of refugees swarmed into Judah, bringing their religious syncretism with them.

Micah predicted Babylon, then under Assyrian rule, would conquer Judah.

Theme

The theme of Micah's book was the inevitable divine judgment for sin couple with God's immutable commitment to His covenant promises. God's judgment and redemption is Micah's theme, as God hates sin, but loves sinners.

Micah's 3 messages moved from doom to hope (they broke God's Law given at Sinai; hope sin God's unchanging covenant was with their forefathers; the sins of the people was coming, but there was hope for the faithful. A Messiah was coming to reign as king of the earth during his millennial rule. All will worship Him and Jerusalem would be restored. 

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, the Prophets Jonah and Micah by J. Vernon McGee]

We see that God can use any kingdom person to proclaim His Word of Truth. He can use anyone anywhere to do His will and accomplish it through their life.

Is there something God wants to use you in order to accomplish His will? What blessings will come when we surrender to the will of our God!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miracles

O. T. #2175  "Miracles"

April 21, 2022

Summary of Jonah

 

I came across 10 miracles in the book of Jonah which God did:

1. The LORD sent out a great wind on the sea. (1:4)
2. The lot fell on Jonah. (1:7)
3. The sea ceased from its raging. (1:15)
4. The LORD had prepared a great fish... (1:17)
5. ...To swallow Jonah alive. (1:17)
6. The LORD spake to the fish...it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (2:10)
7. God saw their works...they turned from their evil way. (3:10)
8. The LORD prepared a plant. (4:6)
9. God prepared a worm. (4:7)
10. God prepared a vehement east wind. (4:8)

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

The primary challenge is whether the book is to be interpreted as historical narrative, an allegory/parable, or it actually happened. Jesus did not teach this story as a parable, but as an actual account firmly rooted in history. It is found in Matthew 12:38-41, 16:4; Luke 11:29-32.

A greater than Jonah came-Jesus. In contrast:

• Jesus is greater in His person, for He is the very Son of God. Jonah was just a man.
• Jesus' message is one of grace and salvation. Jonah preached a message of judgment.
• Jesus willingly died for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:2) Jonah almost died for his own sins.
• Jesus' ministry is the Savior of the world, no just one city. (John 4:42) Jonah's ministry was to only one city.
• Jesus always did what pleased His Father, in obedience. (John 8:29) Jonah's obedience was not from the heart.
• Jesus had compassion for the sinners and proved His love by dying for them on the cross. (Rom. 5:6-8) Jonah didn't the people he came to share salvation.
• Jesus asked God to forgive those who killed Him. (Luke 23:34)Jonah waited outside the city to see if God would kill those he would not forgive.

The real issue is how we answer God's questions:

Do we agree with God that people without Christ are lost?

Like God, do we have compassion for those who are lost?

How do we show this compassion?

Are we concerned for those in great cities where there is so much sin and so little witness?

Do we pray the gospel will go to those people, in our community, in our neighborhood?

Are we willing to go and be a part in witnessing for Jesus?

Do we rejoice when sinners repent and trust in Jesus as their Savior?

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

*Thank you friends for joining me in the study of Jonah. I hope you received the blessings as I did and searched your heart as I did.