Tag: jesus

Micah’s “Divine Trial”

by northwestjim, posted in Commentary

The early chapters of the biblical book of Micah present God’s accusations against Israel and Judah in the form of a dramatic trial court narrative, often referred to as a “divine lawsuit” or “covenant lawsuit” (Hebrew: riv). This literary device amplifies the gravity of their transgressions and underscores God’s justice.

Micah develops this narrative using an intriguing and dramatic flair:

  • The Court is Convened (Micah 1:2-5; 6:1-2): The scene opens with a solemn summons, not just to Israel and Judah, but to “all you peoples” and even the “mountains and enduring foundations of the earth” as witnesses. This cosmic scope emphasizes the universal implications of God’s judgment and the undeniable evidence against His people. God himself is presented as both the prosecutor and the judge. Micah, the prophet, acts as the messenger or spokesperson for God, delivering the charges.
  • The Charges (Micah 1:5-7; 2:1-2, 6-8; 3:1-3, 5-7): Micah meticulously lays out the specific accusations against both the Northern Kingdom (Samaria) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). These charges are rooted in their blatant violation of the covenant established with God. Key accusations include:
    • Idolatry: Worshiping other gods and setting up pagan shrines (Micah 1:7).
    • Social Injustice: This is a major theme, with Micah condemning the powerful elite for exploiting the poor, stealing land, and perverting justice (Micah 2:1-2; 3:1-3). He speaks of rulers who “hate good and love evil,” and who “devour my people’s flesh” (Micah 3:2-3).
    • Corrupt Leadership: Both political and religious leaders are indicted. Prophets are accused of prophesying for money and telling people what they want to hear, rather than God’s truth (Micah 2:6-8; 3:5-7). Judges accept bribes and lawyers twist the law.
    • Religious Hypocrisy: Performing rituals and sacrifices without genuine repentance or a commitment to justice (Micah 6:6-7).
  • God’s Defense (Micah 6:3-5): In a powerful rhetorical move, God challenges Israel to present any wrongdoing on His part. He recites His past acts of faithfulness and deliverance, reminding them of how He brought them out of Egypt, provided leaders like Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and protected them from enemies like Balak and Balaam. This serves to highlight Israel’s ingratitude and underscore that their current predicament is a direct result of their own actions, not God’s failure.
  • The People’s Response (Micah 6:6-7): The people, seemingly caught in the courtroom, offer a desperate response, asking what costly sacrifices they could offer to appease God—burnt offerings, calves, thousands of rams, or even their firstborn. This response reveals their misunderstanding of God’s true desires, focusing on external rituals rather than internal righteousness and ethical behavior.
  • The Verdict and Sentence (Implicit and Explicit): While not always a direct “guilty” verdict in these early chapters, the impending judgment serves as the clear consequence. Micah prophesies destruction for Samaria and Jerusalem, exile for the people, and the breakdown of society. This is the just outcome of their unfaithfulness. However, even within the judgment, there is an implicit call to repentance and the underlying promise of a remnant that God will preserve.

This trial court imagery allows Micah to powerfully communicate God’s righteous anger, the depth of Israel’s sin, and the undeniable justice of the impending judgment. It underscores that God’s actions are not arbitrary, but a logical and deserved response to His people’s covenant violations.

A quick look at MICAH: The Remnant Will Continue

by northwestjim, posted in Commentary

The Biblical book of Micah was written by the prophet Micah, who prophesied during the reigns of Judean kings Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, approximately between 735 and 700 BC. His audience was primarily the Jewish people in Judea, particularly focusing on the capital cities of Samaria (Northern Kingdom, before its fall) and Jerusalem (Southern Kingdom). This was a time of moral decline, social injustice, idolatry, and increasing threats from the Assyrian Empire.

Micah begins with a “lawsuit” from God against Israel and Judah for their sins. He condemns rampant social injustice, including the oppression of the poor, corrupt leadership (religious, political, and judicial), and widespread idolatry. He announces impending judgment, which would involve the destruction of cities like Samaria and Jerusalem and the exile of the people. This judgment is presented as a consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness and rebellion against God’s requirements to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).

However, amidst these pronouncements of judgment, Micah consistently interweaves messages of hope and the promise of a faithful “remnant.” This remnant is a recurring theme, representing those who survive the calamity of judgment and maintain faithfulness to God. Micah prophesies that despite the desolation, God will preserve a portion of His people. This remnant will be gathered, restored, and transformed.

Key prophecies concerning the remnant include:

  • Gathering and Restoration: Micah foretells that the “remnant of Jacob” will be gathered back (Micah 2:12-13; 7:18-20), even after being sent into exile (Micah 4:10). This restoration is a testament to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to His promises.
  • Messianic Hope: The remnant’s future is closely tied to the coming of a new, righteous Shepherd-King who will come from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2-5a). This leader, whose origins are “from of old, from ancient times,” will gather and deliver God’s people, establishing a peaceful and secure kingdom where nations will come to Zion to learn of the true Lord (Micah 4:1-5).
  • Divine Purpose: The existence of a remnant highlights God’s sovereign grace and His unfailing purpose. Even when the collective body of Israel falls into apostasy, God will ensure that a faithful few remain, through whom He will continue to work out His plan for redemption and blessing, not only for Israel but for all nations.
  • God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: The book concludes with a powerful expression of God’s character as one who delights in showing mercy and forgiving the transgressions of the remnant of His inheritance, emphasizing that His covenant love and promise are stronger than human evil (Micah 7:18-20).

In essence, Micah presents a dynamic interplay between inevitable judgment for sin and the enduring hope of a remnant that God will preserve, purify, and use to fulfill His ultimate redemptive purposes through a coming Messiah.

Hebrews 4:13 – Draw Near

by northwestjim, posted in Thought For The Day

Hebrews 4:16
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Draw near…. to the THRONE of GRACE

Another great word image.

It is also a great reminder that He rules from the position of mercy…
AND
we can be certain of that… Certain enough to approach Him boldly.

He WANTS us near Him.
He WANTS to provide mercy and grace.

Don’t know which is harder to grasp.
Grateful for both.

Connecting to God by Praying in the Spirit

by northwestjim, posted in Garden Moments

We want to connect with God, but what is Praying in the Spirit? It might not be what we tend to think it is.

The Bible, in Ephesians 6:17–18, invites us to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” But what exactly does it mean to pray “in the Spirit”?

While some might connect this to speaking in tongues, it’s more likely that Paul had a broader, more foundational meaning in mind. Rather than just one method among many, praying “in the Spirit” is presented as the very essence of how we truly connect with God.

Consider Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman by the well in John 4. When she brought up the historical disagreement about where to worship, Jesus shared a profound truth: “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). This isn’t about worshipping anywhere sincerely; it’s a beautiful revelation that only those who have received the Holy Spirit can genuinely worship God. It’s through the Spirit, and by His guidance, that our worship—and our prayers—become truly pleasing to Him.

Paul further clarifies this in Romans 8:15-16, reminding us, “You did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” God has generously given us His Spirit, and it’s this Spirit within us that empowers us to call out to Him, even and especially when we feel weak (v 26).

This is also why, as 1 Corinthians 12:3 says, “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” While anyone can speak those words, truly understanding and embracing their meaning comes from the Spirit’s work in our lives. In the same way, our ability to pray stems from our adoption into God’s family and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So, as you come to God in prayer today—perhaps even right now—and lovingly call Him “Father,” you are truly “praying in the Spirit.” Trust in the Spirit who lives within you by faith. He will be there to help you, to prompt you, to guide you, and to fill you with the wonderful, undeserved joy of speaking to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, knowing you can call Him your “Abba, Father.”