Micah: the tale of two cities
Sermon notes from Gateway
Background: In Judah during the time of Isaiah. There is relative prosperity. Assyria will conquer Israel (722 BC) in Micah’s ministry time and will try for Judah (701 BC)
Compare Micah 7:4-6 to Mat 10:34
Acts 2 Peter saying “in the latter days” is talking about Micah and Isaiah
Jerusalem/ Samaria: The city as it is
Zion: the city as it should be and will be
1. Idolatry
Micah1:7 A city headed for destruction
- Idolatry: the precondition for people to abuse each other
- Worship of God: The precondition for people to treat each other rightly
The ancient lie: God’s laws are for His benefit. CF Eden fall
2. Eating their own
When the elites use people as a consumable product, God views them reprehensibly as cannibals
Micah 2:1-2, 8-9 woe to those who plan wickedness
Those being ripped off are: the hard-working honest people, children’s future, etc
Micah 3:1-3 Cannibalism
3. Corrupting the secondary authorities
Judges, Priests, and Prophets for a price
Micah 2:6 etc
Priests= professors
Prophets = Pastors
4. The new city
People will flow like water uphill to Zion, a landlocked city oddly enough
Micah 4:1-2
Zion will be exported throughout the world (compare with Christianity)
There will be one city: the city of God. It is now, and not yet.
City of God
- Faithfulness Micah 4:5
- Truth Micah 4:2
- Security Micah 4:4
- Peace Micah 4:3, 5:5
- Justice Micah 6:8, 3:8
Justice = miš·pāṭ = מִשְׁפָּט֙
Conclusion
There is no compulsion here: Come let us go...
1. Do you feel people are treated right in your city and country?
Give an example of what should be but isn't.
Spend some time in contemplative prayer if it helps to see things from God's point of view.
2. Who are the heads and rulers that Micah is referring to in Micah 3:1-3 ?
Who would be the equivalents in our culture? Do they deserve the same condemnation?
3. Read Romans 12:2.
What is being asked of us?
How is it to happen?
Provide examples. If nothing comes to mind, pray.