: HOPE AMID DOOM

Lesson #1 — Micah 1:1-16

Introduction Conservative Evangelicals often emphasize the need for personal transformation through sanctification. Progressive Christians often focus on systemic morality — targeting racial prejudices, the excesses of capitalism, etc. Explain how both attempts empty of its power “when positioned first and foremost as a means to personal or collective transformation.”1

Getting to Know the Messenger Micah 1:1 The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, and , kings of Judah—the vision he saw concerning and .

2 Kings 15:32-35 In the second year of Pekah son of King #1: Jotham Remaliah king of Israel, Jotham son of Uzziah king of Judah began to reign. 33 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 34 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done. 35 The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the Lord. Evaluation:

2 Chronicles 27:2,6 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices. 6 Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.

1 Zahl, David. Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technology, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What to Do about It. Minneapolis: Fortress Press; 2019, p. 176.

Micah Lesson #1 — Page 1 of 6 2 Kings 16:1-4 In the seventeenth year of King #2: Ahaz Pekah son of Remaliah, Ahaz son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. Evaluation: 2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 3 He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed 2 Kings 16:10-14 Illustrates the extent of his son in the fire, engaging in the his idolatry. detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 4 He offered sacrifices and burned Bonus: Isaiah 7:1,10-14 — What notable incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. prophecy took place during Ahaz’s reign?

Micah Lesson #1 — Page 2 of 6 2 Kings 18:1-5 In the third year of Hoshea King #3: Hezekiah son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he became Evaluation: king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty- nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. 4 He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke Examples: into pieces the bronze snake had 2 Kings 19:15-19 prayed for deliverance made, for up to that time the Israelites had when threatened by . been burning incense to it. (It was called 2 Chronicles 32:7,8 Confidence in God’s Nehushtan.) 5 Hezekiah trusted in the power. Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, 2 Kings 20:1-6 Humbled himself with life either before him or after him. on the line.

What can we learn about the ministry of Micah from a quick overview of the history of these kings?

Micah’s ministry likely lasted from ______to _____ B.C.

Micah Lesson #1 — Page 3 of 6 Micah 1:2 Hear, you peoples, all of you, listen, earth and all who live in it, that the Sovereign Lord may bear witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.

Micah’s Message: 1. God Brings Complaints against His Covenant People 2. God Promises of Certain Punishment 3. Predicts Sure Salvation—Centered on the Messiah

Organized by the Markers: “Hear!” or “Listen!” Part 1: Chapters 1 & 2 Part 2: Chapters 3 - 5 Part 3: Chapters 6 & 7

Compare the role of a prophet to a president’s press secretary. When would a prophet’s job be easier? More challenging?

Getting Into the Message Micah 1:3-5 Look! The Lord is coming from his dwelling place; he comes down and treads on the heights of the earth. 4 The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. 5 All this is because of ’s transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel. What is Jacob’s transgression? Is it not Samaria? What is Judah’s high place? Is it not Jerusalem?

God is coming. Is that good news?

Micah 1:6,7 “Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations. 7 All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images. Since she gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, as the wages of prostitutes they will again be used.”

Rate the seriousness of the idolatry going on in Israel.

Micah Lesson #1 — Page 4 of 6 Micah 1:8,9 Because of this I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl. 9 For Samaria’s plague is incurable; it has spread to Judah. It has reached the very gate of my people, even to Jerusalem itself

Why would Micah express such emotions in such an obvious manner as God’s prophet?

Paranomasia = Play on Words Micah 1:10-15 Tell it not in ; weep not at all. Gath “_____ “ – why this silence? In Beth Ophrah roll in the dust. In Beth Ophrah “______“ – 11 Pass by naked and in shame, what does this action symbolize? you who live in Shaphir. Those who live in Zaanan will not come out. Shaphir “______“ – what shame? Beth Ezel is in mourning; it no longer protects you. Zaanan “______“ – why won’t they? 12 Those who live in Maroth writhe in pain, Beth Ezel “______“ – what waiting for relief, happened to their security? because disaster has come from the Lord, Maroth “______“ – why won’t they even to the gate of Jerusalem. get relief? 13 You who live in Lachish, harness fast horses to the chariot. You are where the sin of Daughter Zion Lachish “______“ – what gave Lachish began, its importance? for the transgressions of Israel were found in you. 14 Therefore you will give parting gifts Moresheth Gath “______“ – where to Moresheth Gath. have you heard of this city before? The town of Akzib will prove deceptive to the kings of Israel. Town of Aczib “______“ 15 I will bring a conqueror against you who live in Mareshah. Mareshah “______“ – Who The nobles of Israel matches this description? will flee to Adullam.

Micah Lesson #1 — Page 5 of 6 What allegiances are we tempted to form today?

According to Matthew 6:19-21 why would it be foolish to put our trust in any earthly treasures?

For which disaster does God want us to be most prepared?

Micah 1:16 Shave your head in mourning for the children in whom you delight; make yourself as bald as the vulture, for they will go from you into exile.

How severe is the disaster pictured in this verse?

Conclusion “I’ve warned you a hundred times. This is your last chance. No more threats. No more warnings.” Why is it beneficial for a child that his or her parents use actions to back up their words?

What could be some positive reasons why God would allow destruction and tragedy to happen to his people?

How might it actually be beneficial for us to know that God doesn’t just threaten and warn, but also acts on his threats?

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