The Wrath of God

Introduction

We begin today a study through Micah. Micah and Amos have similar themes but Micah’s ministry has some significant differences. Micah prophesies from the mid 700 to early 600 B.C. He is contemporary with Isaiah and his work is primarily directed toward Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom. As we will notice this morning, part of this initial prophesy is against the Northern Kingdom, the focus of Amos’ prophesying, but the bulk of Micah’s pronouncements are for the Southern Kingdom. Assyria is the world power. It is this kingdom which destroys the Northern Kingdom and surges into the Southern Kingdom bringing much suffering to this area as well.

Micah’s name means “Who is like Yahweh?” and interestingly enough the writing begins with Micah’s name in the first sentence and as you will notice the writing ends in 7:18 with the question “Who is a God like you…?” This writing is wrapped in the same question in order to get the reader to consider if the desire of the reader’s heart is focused on what God wants. Micah knows that he is God’s prophet. In 3:8, Micah reminds us that he has been filled with power in order to declare Israel’s sin.

Another interesting tidbit is that Micah’s words are being quoted about 100 years later. In Jeremiah 26:18, Jeremiah is trying to get the king of Judah to pay attention to his prophesy. He reminds Jehoiakim that Micah prophesied during the reign of Hezekiah and no one tried to kill Micah. Instead they listened to him when he prophesied. Jeremiah then quotes Micah 3:12 and demonstrates that previous prophets had spoken harshly against God’s people in order to bring repentance.

While there are a number of themes in the writing, there are two themes which I want to highlight. The first is the Sovereignty of God. God is in control and in charge of what is going to take place both in Samaria and in Judah. He uses other nations to punish his people. But the Sovereign God will also bring about restoration when repentance is seen. The other theme has to do with the sin of the people. The people abuse power to inflict harm on others and the people do not trust God. They go through the motions but their allegiance is found elsewhere.

In our text, Micah begins with a prophesy directed toward both Samaria and Jerusalem. Soon after the prophesy about Samaria, the Northern Kingdom will fall. The rest of Micah’s prophesy is directed toward Jerusalem. The point is that what happens to your neighbors to the North can and will happen to you unless changes are made. Let’s continue to listen to the call of God to live in faithfulness to him.

The Prophesies

The prophesy begins in the courtroom. God calls not just for Samaria and Judah to listen but for all who occupy the earth to listen to his words. From the beginning we have not only in verse 2 the word “Sovereign” used to describe God but his words are meant for all inhabitants of the earth. But it isn’t enough to call on all the people to hear his words. He also adds that as Sovereign he will speak from his holy temple. God is going to pronounce the charges to the people from his lofty position. But when he does come to earth, that which he created cannot stand against him. The highest mountains crumble. The lowest places split and become lower. His presence melts the land like wax before a fire or water rushing down the mountain slope. God is coming in his power and his might and none will be able to stand.

While verse 5 mentions Jerusalem, most of verses 5-7 has to do with the judgment against Samaria. Samaria is going to be destroyed. Completely. Verse 6 says that the city walls will be thrown into the valley and when Assyria came and destroyed Samaria, this is what was done. Then Micah turns his attention to Jerusalem and the surrounding area. What is interesting about this text are the number of wordplays that take place. Each city name has a meaning and that meaning is used to signify the judgment that is to come.

Gath resembles the word for weep—in weep town, do not weep. In dust town roll yourself in the dust. In beauty town, you will leave in nakedness and shame. In come out town, you will never come out. In foundation house, there is no protection. In bitter town, pain or bitterness will be yours as you wait for relief. In team of horses town, hitch up the horses and try to escape. In engaged town, your parting gifts will go with you into captivity. In deceit town, no one will be able to rely on you. In conquering town, one will conquer you. Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1) was known for its caves. The nobles will retreat there in order to escape.

Not a pretty picture. The wordplays are not intended to be funny but to demonstrate that what people rely upon will not last. It would be like saying in “Sea Isle” the sea will overwhelm you. Not funny. So what are we to learn from this text?

Application

Two lessons. First, notice who suffer most in this judgment according to verse 16. Children. When Assyria and eventually the Babylonians came, they took the youth away. By taking the youth, the nation would fall apart. There would be no energy for rebuilding. The young would be taught new ways and previous lessons would be lost. This warning was to the adults not the children.

Our job as parents is to give our kids a chance to know the values and principles of God. Our job is to make sure our kids are exposed, encouraged, and even at times strongly pushed to engage in spiritual events and activities. Our job is to pray with our kids; to talk with our kids; to serve as examples to our kids; to think ahead and plan for our kids to be on their own. If we do our job there is a greater likelihood that they will hear the voice of God when they become of age. Our job is to do what parents are supposed to do. We cannot control what our children will choose when the time comes for them to choose but we do our jobs as parents.

Second, notice Micah’s response to his prophesy in verses 8-9. These are all signs of distress. Weeping, wailing, mourning with a loud voice. Notice in verse 9 that he calls the people “my” people. Micah is connected to these people. He isn’t a Jonah hoping that everyone will perish. It is emotionally hard on him to deliver this message. These are people he cares about. These are his friends, neighbors, and relatives.

Are we like Micah? When was the last time you mourned for those who are lost? When was the last time that you were emotionally hurt because you knew someone was going down the wrong path? Do we look at our neighbor and think, “I don’t want this person to come under the judgment of God?”

Do we love our friends, neighbors and relatives so little that we cannot speak to them about coming judgment? Or do we just value our own comfort that much?

If someone were trying to break into your house and your neighbor saw it, wouldn’t you hope that they would warn you? We have bought into our culture’s view that everyone is okay and that we are to allow everyone to go their own way. We cannot change anyone, but we can warn. We cannot force a choice, but we can encourage other perspectives.

Our God didn’t remain silent and didn’t remain in comfort. Philippians 2:5-11 reminds us that we are to think like Jesus. Seize the opportunity to speak just as God did. Our vision statement reminds us that this is our mission. We are to seek and help save those who are lost. These will be welcome here because we want all to come to repentance.

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