Rich Men Micah 6:12

As the LORD continued to chastise the people within the city, Micah the prophet wrote of His displeasure with the businessmen because they used inaccurate scales and bags with “deceitful weights” to take advantage of their patrons. Though these men thought they were escaping judgment for their wicked ways, the LORD was watching, and there was no running from His eyes. In chapter six and verse twelve of his prophesy, Micah writes more concerning these “rich men” who were “full of violence”, “lies” and “deceit” where we read:

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies,

and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.

The verse begins, “For the rich men thereof are full of violence,” Micah refers to the businessmen of the city as he declared, “For the rich men” or “wealthy, haughty and impious men” “thereof are full” which means “filled, armed, accomplished and satisfied” “of violence” or “wrong, cruelty, injustice and oppression”. These men were not wicked in a minor way, but they were “full” of cruelty and injustice.

The verse goes on to say, “and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies,” In addition to the “rich men” being filled with “violence” Micah said, “and the inhabitants” which were those who “dwelt, sat, remained and abode” within the city “thereof have spoken” or “declared, conversed, commanded, promised, warned, threatened” “lies” or “disappointment, deception and falsehood”. Even the dwellers within the city spoke lies and deception with one another.

Finally the verse says, “and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” Micah went on to add, “and their tongue” which refers to their “language or talk” “is deceitful” which literally means “letting down or relaxing” and points to the “laxness, slackness and treachery” which was “in their mouth” or “the part of the body used in speaking”. In other words, when they spoke, their words were filled with deceit and treachery, and they demonstrated no care for anyone they harmed with their words.

As we can see, the LORD's inditement against these wicked businessmen was pointed and direct. These men had become “wealthy” from their vicious and ungodly ways, and as we meditate upon their characteristics, a personal inventory might be a good idea. Do we have “violent” ways about us? Have we “spoken lies” to others with whom we have to do? Is our “tongue” “deceitful” in our mouths when we engage in business with other people? If any of these are true, let us heed the warning given to these “rich men”, and may we turn from our wicked ways to the true and living God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Next time Micah writes how the LORD will make the “rich men” “sick” and “desolate”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Wicked Balances and Deceitful Weights Micah 6:11

Micah the prophet recorded the words of the LORD to the cities of Samaria and Jerusalem as He beckoned them to “hear the rod” and who had “appointed it”. The LORD addressed those who had “treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked” and He noted particularly those who had “scant” or unjust “measures”. In chapter six and verse eleven of Micah's prophesy, the LORD points out specifically those who had “wicked balances” and “the bag of deceitful weights” where we read:

Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?

The verse begins, “Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances,” The LORD begins this verse by asking, “Shall I count them pure” which means “clean, clear and justified” “with the wicked” or “wrong, guilty and unrighteous” “balances” or “scales”. In other words, the LORD rhetorically asks whether they think He should reckon those with altered “scales” as righteous.

The verse goes on to say, “and with the bag of deceitful weights?” The LORD continues His questioning with another example of unrighteous people, “and with the bag” or “purse within which money is kept” “of deceitful” or “fraudulent, deceptive and deceitful” “weights” which literally means “stones or precious stones” and relates to the monetary means of exchange. These wicked business men were using monies which were altered and not worthy of their face value, and therefore were unjust when given to their patrons.

While we meditate upon this verse, we see where the LORD desires to know whether these wicked business people think He should somehow see their unrighteous scales and deceitful moneys as pure, clean and justified. Obviously the answer is “NO”, and as the LORD draws this sort of behavior to their minds, it is a reminder to us that there is nothing in which He does not see. Though at the time these wicked doers thought they were gaining advantage by cheating and stealing from their patrons, they forgot the LORD was watching, He was not counting their actions righteous, and He was soon to bring judgment upon their wicked ways. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, may He continue to show us ways which are adverse to His, and should we be involved in any wicked commerce, let us put it away before judgment falls upon us.

Next time Micah writes about “rich men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Treasures of Wickedness Micah 6:10

As Micah the prophet continued to share the LORD's words to Jerusalem and Samaria, we saw where the LORD cried out “unto the city” and He beckoned for the wise man to “see” His name, “hear the rod” and the one who “had appointed it”. In chapter six and verse ten, the LORD asks the people of the city concerning their “treasures of wickedness” where we read:

Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked,

and the scant measure that is abominable?

The verse begins, “Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked,” The LORD's question to the people was, “Are there yet the treasures” which means “storehouses or treasure houses” “of wickedness” or “wrong, guilt and violence against civil law and ethical relations” “in the house” which means “dwelling place, shelter and abode” “of the wicked” or “criminal and guilty one”. Though the LORD cried to the people and warned them of the punishment to come, they continued to accumulate possessions and put them in their “wicked” storehouses.

The verse continues, “and the scant measure that is abominable?” Micah continued the LORD's question with, “and the scant” or “lean, pining or wasting” “measure” which is the Hebrew word “ephah” which was a unit of measure equal to about a bushel and a half in size “that is abominable” which literally means “foaming at the mouth” and refers to when a person is “very angry, enraged and provoked to anger”. In other words, the people were using unjust and unfair weights and measures to quantify goods, and were cheating people in their bargaining. The LORD, however, was not blind to their schemes and was angry at their ways.

As we ponder the LORD's inditement of the people, we might imagine ourselves being in a market place that had scales that were fixed to the advantage of the businesses. People were bringing their goods to be purchased or traded, and the merchants took advantage of them. Though these wicked businessmen thought their “treasures” were being increased by cheating people, the LORD was looking upon them and becoming “very angry” at their ways even as Jesus turned over the tables of the cheating money changers in the temple. Their problem was an attitude of injustice and unfairness which was manifested in the way these people did business. While we think on this, our question should be, how do we do business, and are we fair with those with whom we have to do? May the Lord bring conviction upon us if we are behaving in any manner which is causing the LORD to be enraged.

Next time Micah writes about “wicked balances” and “deceitful weights”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD's Voice Cries Micah 6:9

After sharing with the people of Israel what is “good” and “required” of them - “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” - Micah the prophet began to give examples of how their behavior was directly contrasted to the way they should be. In chapter six and verse nine of his prophesy, Micah tells how “the LORD's voice cries unto the city” concerning their ways where we read:

The LORD'S voice cries unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see your name:

hear the rod, and who has appointed it.

The verse begins, “The LORD's voice cries unto the city” If we can employ our imaginations, we may picture as “The LORD's” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “voice” or “sound or noise” “cries” which means “to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim or utter with a loud sound” “unto the city” or “the place of waking or a guarded place” which refers to Jerusalem and Samaria. As one who proclaims a message or gives warning to a city, the LORD alarms His people.

The verse continues, “and the man of wisdom shall see your name:” Micah goes on to add, “and the man of wisdom” which is the Hebrew word “tuwshiyah” and refers to a man with “sound knowledge, success, sound or efficient wisdom and abiding success” “shall see” or “look at, inspect, perceive and consider” “your name” which refers to their “reputation, fame and glory”. In other words, when the “voice” of the LORD cries unto the city, the wise man will take note of the one to whom He is speaking.

Finally the verse says, “hear the rod, and who has appointed it.” Micah added what the LORD was saying and what the wise man heard, “hear” or “listen to and obey” “the rod” or “staff or shaft” “and who has appointed it” which refers to that which is “fixed, assembled, set, betrothed, designated, assigned, placed before as an assembly by appointment”. The idea is the LORD is giving a warning before His judgment is poured out upon these cities, and the wise man will hear and understand that He has set forth punishment through His “rod” for those who have been disobedient to Him.

While we take the time to think about Micah's words, perhaps we should note that the LORD provided warnings in advance of the judgment that is to come to these cities. He has not appointed “the rod” without first providing ample space for them to turn from their pernicious ways. Much is the same for us. When we go astray, the LORD will use warning after warning to keep us from knowing His rod. In the book of Hebrews in chapter twelve and verses six and seven it declares and asks,

For whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom he receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?

If we have given our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ, we are the children of God, and if we have need of “the rod” the LORD will certainly apply it. However, the “wise” person will heed His warnings before it is too late. May we learn to be as those who are “wise” enough to “hear” “the LORD's voice” and know when His “rod” of correction is near.

Next time Micah writes about “treasures of wickedness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Do Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with Your God Micah 6:8

As the people of Israel began to respond to the LORD's provision and protection for them, they wondered what sacrifice they could offer that would satisfy Him. They questioned whether “burnt offerings, calves of a year old, thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil, or their firstborn for their transgression, the fruit of their body for the sin of their souls” would be sufficient to fulfill all that the LORD required. In chapter six and verse eight of Micah's prophesy, we see the apex of Micah's words as he declared how the people should respond to the LORD where we read:

He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what the LORD requires of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

The verse begins, “He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what the LORD requires of you,...” Micah began by making a historical reference, “He has showed” which means “made known, told, announced, declared, informed, published, reported and announced” “you, O man” which is the Hebrew word “adam” and refers to “mankind or human beings” “what is good” which means “pleasant, agreeable, excellent rich and appropriate”. Micah added, “and what the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “requires of you” or “resorts to, seeks, seeks with care, or enquires from you”. We might imagine the people waiting at this point to hear what exactly what they must do to satisfy their need to reestablish a relationship with the LORD.

The verse continues, “but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah included three “good” requirements from the LORD as he informed the people. The first was, “but to do justly” which means “having justice, right, rectitude, proper behavior, what is fitting, of full measure, doing what is fit and correct”. The second was, “and to love mercy” which is “goodness, kindness and faithfulness”. The third requirement was, “and to walk humbly” which means “come and go, enter and depart in a modest and lowly manner” “with your God” which refers to the “Divine One and the One and Only True God”. Rather than offer multitudes of sacrifices or meaningful gestures to somehow acquire the acceptance of the LORD, the people of Israel were questioned as to whether they remember the LORD directing them in “justice, mercy and humility”.

As we meditate upon Micah's words, we should examine our own lives for these three “good” traits. Do we act “justly” in this world or are we unjust? Do we “love mercy” or are we rather inclined toward revenge? Are we walking “humbly” with our God or has pride become a prevalent trait? As we think through these “good” behaviors, rather than attempting to satisfy our relationship with the Lord through huge sacrifices, let us simply hear Him as He directs us in the way we should live. May the Lord help us to heed His “good” ways.

Next time Micah writes about the LORD's voice crying in the street, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

What are the Satisfying Sacrifices? Micah 6:7

When the LORD called together the mountains, the hills and the foundations of the earth to witness His questions to Israel, Micah the prophet recorded God's requests, “what have I done unto you? and wherein have I wearied you?” The LORD gave them examples of His care for them such as delivering them from Egypt through Moses, Aaron and Miriam, and directing them to the righteousness of the LORD through His workings with Balak and Balaam. When the people began to respond to the LORD's questions, they wondered how they were to approach Him, and in chapter six and verse seven of his prophesy Micah recorded more of the questions from the people who desired to approach God where we read:

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

The verse begins, “Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?” In an exaggerated manner the people wondered, “Will the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “be pleased with” or “be favorable to, accept favorably or be satisfied with” “thousands of rams” which means “thousands of ram sacrifices” “or with ten thousands” which refers to an even larger amount “of rivers” or “torrents, valleys, or wadis”. Let us use our imaginations to attempt to picture such a multitude of “rams” or collection of “rivers”. The idea is a hyperbolic attempt to realize the number of sacrifices which could be brought to the LORD to satisfy an entrance before Him.

The verse continues, “shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” To further illustrate their elaborate attempt to win the favor of the LORD, the people ask, “shall I give” which means “bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, or extend” “my firstborn” or “firstborn child” “for my transgression” which means “rebellion and willful sin against God”. They continue, “the fruit” or “offspring, children, or progeny” “of my body” which refers to “the belly, womb or abdomen” “for the sin” or “guilt and punishment” “of my soul” which refers to the “mind, desire, passion and being”. We can almost picture the people wondering to what extent they must sacrifice to ever receive acceptance and be able to approach the LORD God Almighty especially after they have rebelled and forsaken Him. No doubt the measure of sacrifice was daunting to them.

While we ponder these words as recorded by Micah the prophet, perhaps we wonder what sacrifices we could give to ever be able to win the LORD's favor. The book of Hebrews gives us the answer in chapter four and verses fourteen through sixteen where we read:

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Whatever sacrifice, no matter how dearly loved or the cost, will ever satisfy and gain the favor of the LORD other than His Son Jesus, and He went before us to the Heavenly Father to fulfill all the requirements for sacrifices that would ever be needed. Our belief and trust in Him gains our access to the Heavenly Father, and where the LORD desired a relationship with us, Jesus made the way. While the people of Israel struggled to find a sacrifice large or intimate enough to satisfy Him, the LORD Jesus provided in advance for all who will trust in, rely upon and cling to Him. May we realize how great a sacrifice He made.

Next time the Lord tells the people “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

How Shall I Come Before the Lord? Micah 6:6

As Micah the prophet ended the LORD's reminders of His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and Moab, we were left with reasons why Israel should not have been able to “testify” against the Lord as to what He had done to them or where He had wearied them. In chapter six and verse six of Micah's prophesy, the people of Israel begin to question how they should approach the Lord where we read:

Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God?

shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

The verse begins, “Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God?” After all the testimony they have heard from the Lord, we can imagine the people wondering “Wherewith shall I come” which means “meet, be in front of, confront and go before” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah”. They wonder, “and bow” or “bend, bend down, bow down, be bent in a humble manner” “myself before the high” or “height or elevated place” “God” which is the Hebrew word “elohiym” which means “ruler, judge and high one”.

The verse goes on to say, “shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?” Not only did the people of Israel wonder how they should come and make obeisance to the LORD, but they asked, “shall I come” or “meet, be in front of, confront and go before” “him with burnt offerings” or “whole burnt offerings such as would be placed upon an altar”. They specified, “with calves of a year old” or “very young calves” which would denote sacrifice and the best of offerings. The people realize their relationship with the LORD had been severed, and now through sacrifice and offerings they were attempting to reestablish their relationship with Him.

While we meditate upon Micah's words, we can place ourselves in the position of the people of Israel as they heard the Lord question them concerning His care for them. As they thought upon the LORD and His provision for them even while their backs were turned upon Him, they were driven to wonder how to approach Him. Their sacrifices and offerings seemed inadequate as they began to prepare to meet with Him. The wonderful character of God Almighty is that He simply desires that we come to Him just as we are. Jesus Christ made provision for us that we might “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). May we begin to understand that the LORD has indeed given protection and provision to us, and we may humbly approach Him at any time through the grace of Jesus Christ.

Next time the people continue to ask how they are to approach the LORD, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Remember Balak and Balaam Micah 6:5

As the LORD through the prophet Micah continued to give the nation of Israel examples of times when He protected and provided for them, He listed their deliverance from being servants in Egypt. He sent them Moses, Aaron and Miriam who aided in the Exodus from that oppressive land, and in chapter six and verse five of his prophesy, the LORD presents through Micah another time when He came to their rescue as He tells them to “remember” “Balak” and “Balaam” where we read:

O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that you may know the righteousness of the LORD.

The verse begins, “O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted,” Micah recorded, “O my people” as the LORD for the second time in this chapter claimed and showed possession of the “nation of Israel” and called them to “remember” or “recall or call to mind” “what Balak” whose name means “devastator” and was the “king of Moab” “consulted” which means “advised, counseled, devised and planned”. This interesting story of Balak is recorded for us in the Bible in a book called “Numbers” in chapters twenty-two through twenty-four, and for a reference to what the LORD is saying to His people, it is well worth our time to review it. The LORD desired for the nation of Israel to recall to their minds His provision for them as they faced the threat of the Moabites.

The verse goes on to say, “and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal;” The LORD continued through Micah, “and what Balaam” whose name means “not of the people” “the son of Beor” whose name means “burning” “answered” or “responded, testified, spoke or shouted” “him from Shittim” which means “acacias” which were “large trees having bark covered with thorns that has blackish pods with hard wood that resembles ebony when it grows old”. “Shittim” was the location where Israel began to forsake the LORD by committing “whoredom” or intermarrying with the pagan daughters of Moab. The LORD showed how widespread this forsaking was when He referred “unto Gilgal” which means “a wheel or rolling” which was a city located northeast of the Dead Sea.

Finally the verse says, “that you may know the righteousness of the LORD.” The LORD gave the reason the people should “remember” “Balak” and Balaam”, “that you may know” or “perceive, learn, recognize and be acquainted with” “the righteousness” which means “justice, truthfulness, prosperity and righteous acts” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah”. The LORD was faithful to not allow Balaam to curse Israel though Balak the king of Moab hired him to do so, and even though Israel committed “whoredom” with Moab afterwards, the LORD still delivered them out of their hands.

While we think upon these words from the LORD through Micah the prophet, we should see the long-suffering patience of our God. Though the people of Israel were not cursed by Balaam, they still fell away from the LORD by disobeying His command to not intermarry with people of pagan countries. However, even though they went against Him, the LORD still delivered them from the hand of the Moabites. Once again the LORD demonstrated His love, protection, commitment and sacrifice for His people, and when we take the time to “remember” the ways He has provided for and protected us, we also should “know the righteousness of the LORD”. May today be a day of remembering what the LORD has done for us especially when we recall what Jesus did as He died and rose again that we might be saved.

Next time the people respond to the LORD as though they do not understand, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Out of Egypt and Redeemed Micah 6:4

As the LORD called together the mountains, the hills and the foundations of the earth to be a witness to His “controversy” with the nation of Israel, Micah the prophet recorded His command to gather. The LORD asked the people, “what have I done unto you?” and “wherein have I wearied you?”. In chapter six and verse four of his prophesy, Micah continued the LORD's questioning of Israel as the LORD gave examples of His care for them when they came out of Egypt and were redeemed where we read:

For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of servants;

and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

The verse begins, “For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of servants;” As the LORD began to share examples of former ways He cared for the people of Israel, He said, “For I brought you up” which means “ascended, climbed or led you up” “out of the land of Egypt” which means “land of the Copts”. The LORD added, “and redeemed you” or “ransom, rescued and delivered you” “out of the house” which means “dwelling, habitation or abode” “of servants” or “subjects and slaves”. When we refer to the book of “Exodus” in the Bible, we can see the story of how the children of Israel became slaves in Egypt and remained in this status for four hundred years. After such a long time, the LORD heard their cries of anguish, and delivered them from the land of Egypt and the evil Pharaoh who ruled over them.

The verse continues, “ and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.” The LORD went on to add, “and I sent before you” or “in front of you or as in your face” “Moses” whose name means “drawn” because he was “drawn” out of the water when he was hidden in a pitch covered basket and placed in a river where he was found by Pharoah's daughter; “Aaron” which means “light bringer" and was the older brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest; “Miriam” which means “rebellion” was the elder sister of Moses and Aaron. The LORD sent these three people to deliver the people of Israel, and they were used mightily in their “exodus” from the land of Egypt.

As we ponder these words of the LORD as recorded by Micah the prophet, let us put ourselves in the place of the people being asked these questions. How would we respond to the LORD if He were to remind us of times in our past where He had specifically intervened? The LORD delivered the people of Israel from slavery, servanthood and oppression, and most of them knew the story of their ancestors' “exodus” from Egypt. “Egypt” is a type of the world in the Bible, and though we may not have been delivered out of the country of Egypt, when we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD we have been delivered out of the oppression and servanthood to the world and its ways. When we have times of doubt concerning our relationship with the LORD and His relationship with us, we should always remember that He delivered us from the bondage and sin that is in the world, and if He did that, we can count on, trust in and rely on Him in our present situations. The LORD Jesus loves us, cares for us, provides for us, and desires a personal relationship with us, and should there be times when we wonder if that is true, let us always remember our Exodus.

Next time the LORD reminds the people of Balak and Balaam, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

What Have I Done unto You? Micah 6:3

As Micah began this section of prophesy, he talked about the way the LORD called upon the “mountains, hills and foundations of the earth” to be witnesses to the “controversy” He had with His people. We have marveled to think the Creator of all the Universe would even bother to bring a case against them, but in it have seen the setting for our LORD's loving care for His own. In chapter six and verse three, Micah shares the LORD's questions concerning His behavior toward the people where we read:

O my people, what have I done unto you? and wherein have I wearied you? testify against me.

The verse begins, “O my people, what have I done unto you?” When Micah began this verse, he used the phrase “O my people” which means “nation, kinsman or kindred”, and the fact that he employed the word “my” shows control, ownership and possession. Even after the pernicious ways they lived, the LORD declared the people as His own, and then asked, “what have I done” or “fashioned, accomplished, made or produced” “unto you”? Let us try to imagine the manner in which the LORD asked this question. It is as though He is amazed they would behave in the way they have because He has been so good to them. The LORD's question could have been answered, “nothing bad at all”.

The verse goes on to say, “and wherein have I wearied you? Testify against me.” As though one question from the LORD was not enough, He asked, “and wherein” or “where and in what place” “have I wearied you” which means “been impatient with, been grieved with, offended, tired or exhausted you”. The LORD added, “Testify” or “answer, respond, speak or witness” “against me”. The LORD's challenge to the people was they bring an inditement against Him for any law or rule that was for the sake of “wearying” them. God always looked after them, and when He gave them the law, they were only rules to keep them protected and safe rather than simply to “weary” their lives.

As we think about these words as recorded by the prophet Micah, can we imagine being questioned by God in this manner? What if He were to ask us, “what have I done unto you?” or “where have I wearied you”, and then added, “Testify against me” to add emphasis to His line of thought? We might feel greatly intimidated. When we consider the LORD's love, care and sacrifice for us through His Son Jesus, we should bow our heads as certain as these people did, and answer, “You have done nothing but good. We have no where you have wearied us, and we have no response against you.” May the LORD Jesus help us to fully know God's Spirit behind these questions and remember, the LORD is on our side no matter what conditions surround us every day.

Next time the LORD reviews His previous help to the people, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD has a Controversy Micah 6:2

As the LORD God began to speak in chapter six of the prophesy of Micah, He called upon the “mountains” and the “hills” to “hear” a contention. In the second verse of this chapter, the LORD commands the “mountains” to “hear” again and He calls upon the “strong foundations of the earth” to hear His “controversy” with His people where we read:

Hear you, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and you strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

The verse begins, “Hear you, O mountains, the LORD'S controversy, and you strong foundations of the earth:” As Micah began this verse, He employed the words “Hear you” once again. This Hebrew word “shama” means “to listen, pay attention to, perceive and obey”, and Micah called upon “O mountains” or “mountain tracks” to pay attention to his words. He pointed to “the LORD's controversy” or “strife, dispute, quarrel or case at law” as to what they should listen, and called upon “you strong foundations of the earth” which refers to the “perpetual, constant, perennial, ever-flowing and permanent land, country or territory” as more of His audience. No doubt all of the LORD's creation was to be in attendance as the LORD spoke these words.

The verse continues, “for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” After calling the “mountains” and the “strong foundations of the earth” to attend His “controversy”, Micah added the reason for this gathering, “for the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “has a controversy” or “strife, dispute, quarrel or case at law” “with his people” or “nation, kindred or compatriots”. Micah went on to say, “and he will plead” which means “prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right, reason together and chide” “with Israel”. Though He is God of all the universe, still the LORD called together His creation to witness His dealings with the people of Israel.

When we think through these words of Micah, we may be amazed that the LORD would even bother to have this session with His people. He's God Almighty, and still He will bring His “controversy” down to man. If we take the time to ponder this idea - that an Almighty Creator God, who gave us life and sustains it for us, would take the time to bring His dispute down to people who would have no existence if it were not for Him, our thoughts may be spent to even try to reconcile it. We have a merciful, gracious and loving Savior in Jesus Christ, and just as the LORD called upon His creation to witness His “controversy”, He called upon the world to witness His death and resurrection that every person may be in an eternal relationship with Him. O how marvelous the wondrous works of God, and O how He humbled Himself on behalf of all mankind!

Next time the LORD asks the people what He has done to them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Arise Mountains and Hills Micah 6:1

After concluding his words to the “remnant of Jacob” concerning the manner in which the LORD would remove physical and spiritual dependencies other than the LORD Himself, Micah the prophet begins a new chapter by speaking unto the “mountains” and “hills” where we read:

Hear you now what the LORD says; Arise, contend you before the mountains,

and let the hills hear your voice.

The verse begins, “Hear you now what the LORD says; Arise, contend you before the mountains,” The first word employed by Micah is “Hear” which means “listen to, pay attention to, perceive and obey” “you now what the LORD” which in Hebrew is all one word “Yehovah” “says” or “utters and speaks”. In other words, in Hebrew the phrase is literally “Hear Jehovah speak”. Micah adds, “Arise” or “stand, rise up or stand up” “contend” which means “contend or conduct a case or suit” “you before the mountains” which refers to “a hill, hill country or mount”.

The verse goes on to say, “and let the hills hear your voice.” Micah added, “and let the hills” which were smaller ancient rises in the earth “hear” which is the same Hebrew word “shama” used in the first part of this verse which means “listen to, pay attention to, perceive and obey” “your voice” or “sound or proclamation”. If we use our imaginations we can almost picture Micah calling the mountains and hills to be an audience for the voice of the LORD, and when He speaks, they are in full attention.

As we think through these words of Micah, we should keep in mind that the LORD is calling His creation together to be witnesses of His words to the people of Israel. It is almost like He is calling a court to be in order. The LORD is the judge, Israel is the defendant, and the mountains and the hills are the jury and audience. With a scene like this, we too should be ready to hear what the LORD has to say to the people of Israel, and in the coming verses, we shall hear it. For now, let us be as the mountains and hills, and pay attention daily to what the LORD has to say to us. May we learn to be as attentive as these “mountains and hills” when the LORD utters and proclaims His words.

Next time Micah shares about a “controversy” of the LORD, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.