The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. Micah 1:1
The little book of Micah is the ideal bad news-good news story. This prophet has a faithful but dire message of doom and judgment for the nations of Judah and Israel, telling these people that God is going to punish them for their sins and their departure from following Him. But just as faithfully, Micah brings a message of hope and restoration as he foretells the coming of the Messiah and the eventual restoration of Israel to a place of blessing and exaltation. Micah’s message for Israel is also God’s message for us.
Micah’s message to Israel is a description of what is about to happen when the Assyrians attack and ransack their land. This reminds us that before we were saved, we were abiding under the wrath of God. Our sinful lives were proof that the way of the transgressor is hard, and we were marching steadily down the broad road directly into the wrath of God. As we look back now at what we once were, we wonder what would have become of us if we had remained in our sins. But now, we are in a place of blessing. Despite any negative circumstances we encounter, our future is filled with glorious hope. So unlike the horror that befell Israel for failing to heed Micah’s message.
Micah’s good news focused on eventual restoration, looking forward to a time that is still in our future. And he provides a clear prediction of the coming Messiah who will make it all happen. He even identifies the little town where the Messiah will first appear: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2.
Just as Israel’s only hope is that great promise, so is our salvation anchored in that same Saviour. The One in whom we have trusted desires that we continue to trust in Him until He comes. – Jim MacIntosh
Here is the link to the video of this message: https://youtu.be/UYdPa7nw2Gw