Micah 4:1-13

The message of all of the prophets is a sobering one for the nation of Israel as they all warn of the coming judgment of the nation.  However, they also have a hopeful message as they point to a future restoration in which they will be returned to the land, experience security, have prosperity and most importantly be revived spiritually.  God’s promises are always secure and He is always faithful.  Just as His promise of judgment was and is being fulfilled; so His promise of restoration will be fulfilled.  God is in control of the events on this planet.  We can be assured of His sovereignty over all of our lives and ought to live our lives accordingly.

FUTURE PLANS: Micah begins this chapter be revealing God’s future plans for Israel and for all of the nations.  He will establish His kingdom on Mt. Zion and from this exalted place He will reign over the nation of Israel and all the nations.  A time is coming during which the Word of God will no longer be scoffed at and the name of Jesus will not be used in profanity.  Jesus will be King of this entire planet.  He will establish His throne on Mt. Zion and He will proclaim the Law of God.  All the nations of the world will be subject to Him and they will all come to Israel in order to be taught the Word of God and worship in the presence of the Lord.  This will be a time where peace will reign on this planet as at no other point in history.  Weapons will be useless so will be made into farming equipment.  This time of prosperity and security will turn the weak into strong and the fearful to faithful.  God has promised this day and it will most certainly come.


PRESENT PAINS: Micah ends this chapter with a reality check for the nation of Israel.  Though the promises of this chapter are real and they are secure; the Israel of Micah’s day was headed to war, famine, judgment and captivity.  Babylon is coming and the nation will be brought down to ruin before this and many other nations.  These times of pain and suffering will be used of God to teach the nation the consequences of idolatry and disobedience.  Their hearts are hard and they have been a disobedient nation from the very beginning, but God has given them a promise of hope.  One day they will judge the nations who overtake them; but in the near future they are the ones who will fall under judgment.  God is at work in the history of the world and He will bring His judgments and His blessings to pass.  Our job is to live in obedience to Him, trust the Lord Jesus to save us from sin and then spread the message of the Gospel as we wait for Him to return and establish His kingdom. 

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