TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 1:3-16
The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. - Micah 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
A recent national survey reported that 71 percent of Americans believe in God and 58 percent pray daily. Only about 25 percent, however, attend religious services weekly. In addition, 74 percent of Americans believe in a heaven “where people who have led good lives are eternally rewarded,” while only 59 percent believe in a hell “where people who have led bad lives, and die without being sorry, are eternally punished.” In other words, many conceive of God as a benevolent grandfather who rewards the righteous but doesn't have the heart to punish the wicked.

Such a belief is quite different from what Scripture tells us. God's justice certainly includes judgment on sin, as today's reading makes clear. The passage opens with an impressive picture of the Lord coming to render a guilty verdict (vv. 3-4). These images highlight His power and awesomeness and are meant to inspire fear in the hearts of evildoers. The judgment is then summarized—the people are guilty of idolatry, of worshiping false gods at “high places” rather than the true God at His temple (v. 5). Finally, sentence is passed (vv. 6-7). Israel's capital city of Samaria will be completely destroyed. The emptiness and impotence of the false gods will be clear for all to see.

Micah took no pleasure in delivering this grim message. Rather, he expressed extreme grief over the future of his country: “I will weep and wail; I will go about barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and moan like an owl” (v. . The places he lists, including his own hometown, represent the route a potential invader might take. Though it will seem that a foreign enemy is doing the conquering, it should not be forgotten that ultimately God is the one responsible (v. 15). He is the one who will send His people into exile (v. 16), an especially devastating punishment for the inheritors of the Promised Land. Implied in all this is a call to national repentance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sin and its effects are pictured in at least two ways in today's reading—as prostitution (v. 7) and as a wound (v. 9). Additional Bible study in this area can help us understand what God thinks about sin. What images, metaphors, or other figures of speech does Scripture use to portray human sinfulness? Compile a list of other word pictures, and interpret each in terms of which dimensions or consequences of sin are emphasized or highlighted. Through your list, what can be learned about God's perspective on and response to sin?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 2:1-5
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. - Psalm 71:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
A small, remote-controlled spy plane is giving “foreknowledge” to American soldiers. Called the Raven, it weighs only four pounds and has a wingspan of just 4.5 feet. It has the ability to hover quietly 500 feet above the ground and transmit live video to troops on the ground. Commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan who want to know if an ambush lies down the road or if enemy soldiers wait on the other side of a hill can use these tiny planes to find out. The same company that makes the Raven makes an even smaller one-pound model dubbed the Wasp.

As useful as such “foreknowledge” is, the sovereign knowledge of God is infinitely greater. Evildoers are mistaken if they believe that God does not know or cannot act against them. In today's reading, they are described as people who unjustly exercise their power and wealth to exploit the poor, for example, by seizing their homes or defrauding them of their inheritances (vv. 1-2). That they do so with intention and even premeditation shows their arrogance and disbelief in God's justice. They think they can get away with it! Such people are still around—corrupt politicians, landlords who overcharge rent to the poor, and financiers who run scams with other people's retirement money.

God's response is that judgment has been passed, justice will be restored, these oppressors will be punished, and their pride will be struck down (vv. 3-5). His righteous plan, as opposed to their plan to duck consequences, will surely come to pass. God is sovereign and has both the knowledge and the power to guarantee it. Instead of being in the driver's seat, they will be mocked and ridiculed. Instead of gaining land, they will lose it. Because God is God, His plan is certain and inevitable. The wicked won't be able to escape. “Many are the plans in a man's heart,” Proverbs reminds us, “but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails” (19:21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Because of God's sovereignty, we would do well to include humility into every plan we make. James admonished: "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that'" (4:14-15). Resolve to go through this week with this attitude, resisting frustration when things don't go your way. Praying over your calendar might be a good place to start!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 2:6-13
Do not my words do good to him whose ways are upright? - Micah 2:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
The world ended in a nuclear cataclysm on June 12, 2008. You hadn't heard? “Buffalo Bill” Hawkins, leader of a cult based in Abilene, Texas, prophesied that date as the end of history. His followers were urged to stock up on food and supplies from Life Nutrition Products, a company owned by Hawkins. Many were also persuaded to change their names, since the “prophet” said that God would save only people named “Hawkins.” Obviously, he was wrong. What's worse, it was actually his second failed doomsday prediction—he'd previously tagged September 12, 2006, as the end of the world.

False prophets have never been in short supply. As Micah makes clear in today's reading, their falsehoods earn God's condemnation. Truth is indispensable, particularly when one holds a leadership position. As God's prophet, Micah was committed to proclaiming the truth. But the false prophets tried to discourage him from doing so (vv. 6-7a). Perhaps they were fearful, or perhaps they didn't really believe God would go so far as to carry out judgment on them. After all, weren't they the people of God? “Does he do such things?”

God replies: His words do good to the upright, implying the opposite as well, that His truth is bad news for the wicked (v. 7b). And the false prophets, despite their protests, acted in unrighteous ways. Whereas leaders should serve the people, the false prophets were the enemy of men, women, and children (vv. 8-9). The people weren't innocent, either, for they listened only to “prophets” who told them what they wanted to hear (v. 11). The Promised Land was “defiled” by such sinful behavior, and God would cleanse it by sending His people away (v. 10).

This would not be the end of the story, for God also promised a future day of deliverance for a faithful remnant (vv. 12-13). Israel would reap the consequences of breaking the covenant, but God Himself would still keep His promises.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What's the “truth quotient” in your media intake these days? Sometimes we think our books, music, movies, television shows, and video games are exempt from truth standards. “After all,” we argue, “we're just relaxing; not everything is a sermon.” But from God's perspective, all of life, including work and leisure, need to be evaluated from within a biblical worldview. In this light, review the ideas and influences you've been allowing into your mind recently and submit them to the criteria in Philippians 4:8.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 3:1-12
Should you not know justice? - Micah 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the great injustices in American history was the government-authorized theft of Cherokee land in Georgia. Through previous treaties, the Cherokees had legal title to their land, a claim supported by a Supreme Court decision in their favor against the federal government. Nonetheless, in 1838 President Andrew Jackson ignored the Supreme Court, seized the land, and ordered the Cherokees to move to Oklahoma. They were forced to leave their homes and businesses. Many died on the long and arduous journey, which we remember today as the “Trail of Tears.”

In today's reading, Micah spoke out against leaders who were unfaithful to the Lord and who perverted justice. Like the false prophets who perverted truth, and whose evil deeds and impending punishment are described again in verses 5 through 7, these leaders failed to respect or obey the requirements of the covenant. Their basic sin was that they used their positions of power to oppress the people, a fact communicated through horrifying images of cannibalism (vv. 1-3).

Worldly leaders use their power to benefit themselves. Control or domination is the name of the game (Matt. 20:25-28). Godly leaders, on the other hand, should use their authority to serve God and His people. Micah himself was an excellent example of this kind of leader (v. . The Israelite leaders would be punished for their unfaithfulness to their calling, and God would not listen to their cries for help (v. 4).

Micah 3 closes with a summary indictment of the nation's bad leaders, false prophets, and faithless priests (vv. 9-12). They despised and distorted God's values, including justice, righteousness, service, and truth. They acted out of greed, yet hypocritically invoked the Lord's name. They exploited the poor and took God lightly. Because of them, judgment was coming. Righteous leaders would have seen spiritual realities more clearly and called the people back to God. As things stood, it was left to Micah to declare the word of the Lord.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
By the time bad leaders come under condemnation, as in today's passage, it's too late. This should spur us to pray for our own leaders, including political (local, state, and national), professional (workplace), and spiritual (church). Take some extra time today to pray for at least three leaders who hold authority over you, in obedience to Paul's instructions: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 4:1-5
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. - Micah 4:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
A nonprofit organization in northern California helps soldiers returning from war zones learn new job skills and find new places of employment. They recently reported helping at least 23 veterans a month, most of them in their early to mid-20s, and most of them lacking real-world job skills because they enlisted in the military immediately after leaving high school. The organization helps them prepare for new careers and find affordable housing. Appropriately enough, its name is Swords to Plowshares, a direct reference to today's verse.

“Swords to plowshares” summarizes Micah's awe-inspiring vision of the future. His prophecy of the mountain of the Lord is given in much the same words as those used by Isaiah (2:2-4). Though the near future held judgment, defeat, and exile, the prophets could see hope and victory in a more distant future. A mountain is a picture of grandeur and beauty and would also have reminded Micah's original listeners of Mount Sinai. Not just for Israel but for all the world, the “mountain of the Lord” will be a center for worship, a place from which the word of God will go out and to which the nations will come for instruction and truth (vv. 1-2; cf. Matt. 8:11).

Under the rule of God and His Messiah (vv. 3-4), there will be peace. Conflicts will be settled, rather than dragging on indefinitely as they often seem to in today's world. There will be order and justice in the solutions, rather than military force or clever politics. There will be no more war or even training for war. Weapons will be of such little use that they will be turned into farming implements. Finally, there will be prosperity and security, with people sitting under their vines and fig trees as a picture of peace and contentment. Given such a vision of the future, others can do whatever they like, but we choose to trust and follow the One who is bringing it to pass (v. 5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The future spoken of by Micah, with the mountain of the Lord and worldwide peace, encourages us as believers that God has a plan for history and that His plan will in due course reach its perfect fulfillment. Our knowledge that God's plan cannot fail can give us peace that His plans for our lives are also perfect. If circumstances have filled you with worry, review Jeremiah 29:11-12. Take comfort that even though situations may seem bleak, our God sees our end and intends our good.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 4:6-13
They do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan. - Micah 4:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
One key date in American history is October 19, 1781. That's the day British General Lord Cornwallis surrendered to American General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia. American and French armies pinned British and German forces against the sea, while French naval vessels blocked British ships bringing reinforcements. Cornwallis had little choice but to surrender, which effectively marked the end of the Revolutionary War. Peace negotiations began in 1782 and the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783. Today the National Park Service maintains the Yorktown battlefield as a national historic site.

Victory is sweet. When the Millennium arrives and God's rule is fully established, all the peoples of the earth will acknowledge the Messiah as their king. In today's reading, Micah envisions events following the Exile as foreshadowing that glorious day (vv. 6-8). First, the scattered will be gathered. The “lame” and the “exiles,” who are lost and powerless on their own, will be gathered once more into a nation. Second, the weak will become powerful. This unpromising “remnant” will once again become a “strong nation” and “the former dominion will be restored.” And third, kingship will come again to Israel. This is in keeping with God's covenant with David of an eternal kingship (2 Sam. 7:16). From our vantage point in history, we know this promise refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

In the back-and-forth rhythm of Micah's prophecy, we find that embedded in this panoramic vision of the future are more reminders of impending judgment (vv. 9-13). Babylon is even specifically named as Judah's conqueror, an event that would occur in 586 B.C. The big picture, however, remains one of hope and victory. The coming defeat and exile can be compared to labor pains, as if all of history were giving birth to God's kingdom. His sovereign plan is beyond anyone's complete comprehension, but we can put our faith in the triumph of His justice, righteousness, and love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God makes the weak strong, as in today's reading when the “lame” become a strong nation (v. 7). He also says that the last shall be first and the first last (Mark 9:35) and that as believers we must die in order to truly live (John 12:24-25). What other biblical paradoxes can you think of? Why do you think God uses paradoxes in Scripture? One reason might be to catch our attention, to force us to consider that God's ways are not our ways. You can record your thoughts and observations in your notes or journal.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 5:1-5a
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. - Micah 5:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Long before Micah ministered, God made a special promise to King David. He said that He Himself would establish a house for David and that his son (Solomon) would be king after him and would build a temple to honor the Lord. Furthermore: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). This covenant was a tremendous encouragement to the people of Israel, especially as they faced tough times and saw their country fracture. The prophet Micah alluded to this covenant in today's passage.

In verse 4, “He” is the coming Messiah, whom we know is Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. Following a reminder of the coming judgment (v. 1), verse 2 jumps ahead in time—to the Lord, time is not a primary factor (2 Peter 3:—to the birth of the Messiah. That His “origins are from of old” is a hint that His existence extends beyond a human lifespan. Despite the fact that the Messiah is a strong redeemer who comes to rescue His people, His arrival is mysteriously described as unexpected. Who would imagine a king being born in a small town like Bethlehem? The religious leaders of Jesus' day certainly didn't, even though they also interpreted Micah's words as literally indicating the Messiah's birthplace (Matt. 2:1-6).

God's plan is compared again to giving birth (v. 3). Everyone can see the signs that a baby is coming, but the identity of the newcomer remains hidden until the key moment. In the same way, God's plan to send His Son was both revealed and hidden by the prophets. And the fact that His advent would involve two comings was both revealed and hidden as well. When the labor pains of history are complete, all the world will see and worship the Shepherd who is also the King (vv. 4-5a). He will rule in the strength and majesty of God, because He is God!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In six months, we'll be celebrating the first coming of Christ. Today, spend some time reflecting on the Second Coming of our Lord. All around our world we can find examples of heartache. But we also have hope because we know that the Messiah will come to judge sin and ensure eternal peace. Some music that we associate with the first coming of Jesus actually has great resonance with His Second Coming; read or sing through “Joy to the World” or “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” as you pray, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 5:5b-15
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. - Deuteronomy 20:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Revelation 18 celebrates the fall of Babylon in the end times. Though at one time it will be the wonder of the world and the seat of all earthly power, Babylon will be brought low: “Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!” (v. 10). The powerful will be rendered helpless, the wealthy will be ruined, and the mockers of God will be completely defeated. “Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you” (v. 20).

Today's reading offers another vivid picture of God's victory in history (vv. 9-15). Part of this passage focuses on the day that Assyria, the conqueror of Israel, will itself be defeated. Other parts have the Messiah in view, including both of His advents and the millennial kingdom. So time is fluid here and sometimes we're not sure which point in history the prophet has in mind. But the themes of God's triumphant holiness and justice hold it all together. Not only are enemies destroyed, so are witchcraft, idolatry, and disobedience. Those who have committed the blasphemous absurdity of bowing down to “gods” they themselves made will come under the righteous wrath of their Maker.

Two word pictures help us to understand God's victory (vv. 7-8). First, the animal simile seems clear enough: The faithful remnant will be “like a lion among the beasts of the forest,” that is, God's people will be the king of the jungle, so to speak. They will have nothing to fear from their enemies. Second, the nature simile is less obvious but has a parallel point: The remnant will be “like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind.” God's sovereign plan and dew both occur on their own timetables, irrespective of human plans and actions. And like dew, God's plan is inevitable and inescapable— who can fight against it?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In response to today's reading, perhaps you could plan a special worship time for yourself, your family, or a small group of friends with the theme “God's victory.” Try to include a good mix of hymns and choruses, including both familiar and unfamiliar songs. Scripture readings, responsive prayers and liturgies, and a time for personal testimonies might also be part of the plan. Let “shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ”˜The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!'” (Ps. 118:15).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 6:1-8
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
God designed marriage to be an illustration and expression of His covenant faithfulness. As Gary Thomas wrote in Discipleship Journal : “The Bible uses marital metaphors to describe the story of God's relationship with Israel and Jesus' relationship with the church. Understanding these analogies is crucial, as they will help us construct the foundation upon which a truly Christian marriage is built . . . God's love for Israel and Christ's love for the church show us how our marriages can be transforming relationships of delight and reconciliation.”

Faithfulness and love are at the heart of both marriage and our walk with the Lord. In His covenant with Israel, God was always faithful in unconditional love even when His people were not. Within the flow of history, He would act justly and judge Israel's sin in order to teach all nations about Himself and His worthiness to be worshiped. But in the end He would keep His promises and carry out His eternal plan of redemption regardless of His people's failures.

To grasp today's reading, let's imagine a courtroom. The Lord accused Israel and Judah of forsaking Him and of being unfaithful to the covenant (vv. 1-5). The evidence against them was overwhelming. He had rescued them from slavery in Egypt, made a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, provided godly leaders like Moses and Aaron, compelled the reluctant Balaam to prophesy a great future for them (Numbers 22-24), and in general shepherded and cared for them throughout four decades of desert wanderings.

To such an amazing and loving Lord, what kind of response would have been appropriate (vv. 6-8)? Not what they were doing! Perhaps they thought they could “keep the covenant” with quantity rather than quality. Their many sacrifices meant nothing because their hearts were empty and their obedience lacking (compare Rom. 12:1). Instead, they should have been acting justly, loving mercy (or kindness, ESV), and walking humbly with their God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you have never memorized Micah 6:8, make time to do so today. It's three-part “formula” for obeying God—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly—can be a good way to remain focused on spiritual essentials. Scripture memorization is about genuinely committing words to heart and nourishing your soul with God's truth. Then you will say with the psalmist, “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times” (Ps. 119:20).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 6:9-16
Shall I acquit a man with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights? - Micah 6:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
The worst weather disaster in American history was a hurricane that hit Galveston, Texas, on September 8, 1900. Galveston is an island and leading commercial port city on the Gulf of Mexico. When the hurricane struck, storm tides between eight and sixteen feet completely covered the island, destroying homes and businesses and killing an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 people (out of a total population of 40,000). Though U.S. Weather Service meteorologist Isaac Cline rode his horse up and down the beach to deliver urgent warnings, most people gave no heed and ended up paying with their lives.

No doubt Micah knew how Cline felt. He, too, was charged with delivering a message of impending disaster. He, too, met closed ears and hard hearts. God had long endured Judah's unfaithfulness and disobedience, and now judgment was imminent. In the context of the prophet's call to repentance (v. 9), the nation's sins are catalogued in verses 10-12: Their treasures were “ill-gotten,” or obtained through crooked means. “Dishonest scales” and “false weights” were representative of unfair business practices. Violent rich men used their power to exploit the poor. This was not the kind of society God had in mind! He was righteously angry with this web of injustice and deceit.

Micah's description of the coming judgment is hyperbolic, that is, exaggerated for the literary purpose of making the point clearer and more urgent (vv. 13-15). The people would eat and yet remain hungry, store up and yet have nothing, plant without harvesting, press olives without getting any olive oil, and crush grapes without getting any wine. In short, the fruit of their labor would be given over to their conquerors. These verses convey images of being shamed and brought low, of ruin and destruction. Such consequences are to be expected when the God's people, following the bad example of such wicked kings as Omri and Ahab, worshiped idols instead of the one true God (v. 16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The importance of spiritual faithfulness is clearly shown in today's reading. But just as in the case of Israel, we are surrounded with temptations to turn aside from God's path. In these battles, the truth of Scripture is our best ally. Write three helpful verses on index cards and carry them with you this week. Choose verses specific to temptations you face often, for example, Job 31:1 for lust, Luke 12:15 for greed, or Proverbs 16:18 for pride.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 7:1-7
I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. - Micah 7:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” theologian Jonathan Edwards said: “Now God stands ready to pity you; this is a day of mercy; you may cry now with some encouragement of obtaining mercy; but when once the day of mercy is past, your most lamentable and dolorous cries and shrieks will be in vain . . . you will be a vessel of wrath fitted to destruction; and there will be no other use of this vessel but only to be filled full of wrath: God will be so far from pitying you when you cry to him, that ”˜tis said he will only laugh and mock, Prov. 1:25-32.”

The glory of God's mercy is matched only by the fearsomeness of His judgment. And though His justice is a beautiful thing, judgment on sin is a necessity to be grieved, for it represents the doom that people bring on themselves by rebelling against God. That's why the tone of today's reading is a sad one. Micah was the speaker in these verses, and the “misery” (v. 1) was his. He felt like a man on an empty quest—godliness was “out of season.” He got no pleasure from delivering bad news, even though his words were true and even though he did so in obedience to the Lord.

Micah brought dark news because he lived in dark days (vv. 2-6). They were characterized by a lack of righteous individuals. Generally, people acted in violent, greedy, and self-seeking ways. Close relationships meant nothing—friends and neighbors were not to be trusted. Family responsibilities were turned on their heads, as brother hunted brother and sons dishonored their fathers. Leaders didn't serve the people but rather were corrupted by bribes and power. Nothing was as it should have been. Sin and disorder often go hand in hand, and these people would reap what they had sown. Despite all, Micah did find one reason for hope—God Himself! (v. 7).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jonathan Edwards, quoted in today's illustration, was a profound Christian thinker who is part of a rich tradition. The works of many classic Christian writers are available free at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library Web site, www.ccel.org. You can subscribe to a free e-newsletter that highlights historical writers from the impressive archives. There are various “discussion rooms” and part of the CCEL is devoted to hymns. This resource can add much to your knowledge and understanding of Christian history and theology.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 7:8-13
Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. - Micah 7:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Inner City Impact (ICI) is an urban ministry that since 1972 has reached out to at-risk Chicago youth. ICI's mission is “to present the living Christ, primarily to unchurched inner city children and youth, discipling and integrating them into a local church.” The focus is on winning kids to Christ, grounding them in the Word, and building discipling relationships so they can grow in their faith. Ministry activities include Bible studies, after-school clubs, summer and winter camp adventures, sports, tutoring, mentoring, and leadership development.

ICI faithfully proclaims God's hope in places where hope is sorely needed. The prophet Micah had the same privilege. After grieving the coming judgment, he—as the prophets so often did—turned the focus from people to God. In today's reading the speaker is both Micah and the entire nation, and the first thing he/they have to say is, “I will rise” (vv. 8-10). Disaster is coming—but there will be a turning point in this downward plot movement, not due to luck or heroism but because of the Lord's loving plan. Responsibility for sin is acknowledged; it is because of His righteousness, not theirs, that darkness will turn to light and those who have fallen will get up. Based on their disobedient behavior, they have no right to expect God to turn from accuser to defender, but they expect it anyway based on His covenant faithfulness.

The fact that God's name will again be glorified leads into a second message, “The day will come” (vv. 11-13). There will be a day when the exiles return home and the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt. There will be a day for spiritual renewal and revival. There will be a day when all nations go up to the mountain of the Lord to worship (4:2). There will be a day when justice is done and sins are punished. This is hope, not in the sense of wishful thinking, but as a sure certainty in the promises of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The prophets took no pleasure in speaking messages of judgment, but rather delighted in proclaiming the greatness of God and His redemptive plans. We are to proclaim the message of God in the same spirit. Though sin and the penalty of death are certainly part of the gospel message and must be communicated, the focus should be on life in Christ and His resurrection as our sure hope. Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? Pray for an opportunity to share it before the month is out.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Micah 7:14-20
You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us. - Micah 7:18-19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1960, Ruby Bridges was a six-year-old girl who crossed barriers of racism and prejudice to integrate an elementary school in New Orleans. So many white parents pulled their children out of the school that she was the only child in her class. Each day, she entered the school escorted by federal marshals past crowds of angry protesters. Her teacher once asked her what she said to them. Raised in a strong Christian home, she replied, “I was praying. I was praying for them. Please, God, try to forgive those people. Because even if they say those bad things, they don't know what they are doing.” Four decades later, Ruby wrote: “The things people yelled at me didn't seem to touch me. Prayer was my protection.”

Forgiveness is one of God's key attributes. He delights in pardoning and showing mercy, even on the heels of His righteous anger. As the book of Micah draws to a close in today's reading, the phrase “Shepherd your people” is at the same time a prayer and an affirmation, a yearning for the covenant relationship to be restored (v. 14). God answers this heartfelt cry, promising that He will, as in the days when He freed Israel from slavery in Egypt and brought His people to the Promised Land, show them His wonders (v. 15). When His sovereign plan has been fully revealed and accomplished, the nations will be ashamed of their doubt and disobedience (vv. 16-17). Like Job, they will put their hands over their mouths with nothing to say. They will be humbled and turn to the Lord in holy fear.

The last few verses of Micah powerfully remind us that it's all about God (vv. 18-20). He is the one true God, worthy to be worshiped. He delights in mercy and forgiveness, not at all like the wrongly stereotyped “God of the Old Testament.” His righteous anger is followed by His loving compassion. He is eager to forgive, to “tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” He keeps His promises because faithfulness is His essential character.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you identify three “takeaways” from the book of Micah? A “takeaway” is a spiritual truth or principle that really spoke to you. It's somewhat objective, because it's God's truth, and it's somewhat subjective, because it made a significant impact on you at this point in your life. Jot down three “takeaways” in your notes or spiritual journal so that you can refer back later to see what God has shown you from this book. If you're not sure, take some time to read back through Micah and the devotions of the last two weeks.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Habakkuk 1:1-4
Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? - Habakkuk 1:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The “problem of evil” is a philosophical dilemma that has troubled believers throughout history. It goes something like this: If God is all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful, how can evil, suffering, disaster, and death exist in the world? If He is all-loving, wouldn't He want to end these things? And if He is all-knowing, wouldn't He know how? And if He is all-powerful, wouldn't He be able to do so? If He really is all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful, how can we explain these things? But if He is not all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful, how can He be God?

The problem of evil is not only an issue raised by unbelievers, for we find people wrestling with it in the pages of Scripture as well. The prophet Habakkuk was one of them. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah whose book seems to have been written just before 605 b.c., the date of Babylon's first invasion of Judah (see Jeremiah 46). This short book feels more like a psalm than a prophecy because it revolves around a dialogue with God rather than a message for the nation. Habakkuk's name means “embracer,” which various commentators have interpreted to indicate his love for God, his love for the people, or God's love for him (a man embraced by God).

Habakkuk poses his essential question early in this book: Why does evil go unpunished? (v. 3). From a human perspective, God appears to be not listening, not paying attention, or not doing anything (v. 2). The prophet feels forced to watch things that God should not be allowing or tolerating. The sin he sees is that of his own people, and like the psalmists his words reflect anger, grief, and a desire for justice. Yet justice is not being done and is even being perverted or twisted out of shape (v. 4). Is God paralyzed? How can people sow sin and not reap judgment? Morally and spiritually, things are the opposite of what they should be.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The perversion of justice deeply bothered the prophet Habakkuk, and it should bother us as well. One suggestion for making a difference against contemporary social injustice is to purchase a worship CD entitled CompassionArt: Creating Freedom from Poverty. Some of the biggest names in Christian songwriting participated in a spiritual retreat, during which they wrote the songs for this album, with 100 percent of the royalties going to help those in need. More information is available at http://www.compassionart.tv.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Habakkuk 1:5-11
I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. - Habakkuk 1:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Conrad Maier-Sogheg made a lot of money, enough to deposit $10,000 per day to his bank account in Georgia. How did an unemployed man manage this? It turns out he was literally making money, printing his own bills from inside a rented storage unit. He used laser templates, special paper, and a variety of chemicals, including baby powder, to create his counterfeits. Said one police officer: “It's the best counterfeit scheme I have seen in my law enforcement career. The bills look and feel real.” How was he caught? He failed to pay the rent on his storage unit, and when workers went to empty it out they discovered the scam.

“You may be sure that your sin will find you out,” the Bible warns (Num. 32:23). Justice is inevitable. That's exactly how God answered Habakkuk's first question. He told him that justice was about to be done, that the nation's punishment for sin and covenant-breaking was imminent. It would not be allowed to continue indefinitely. This was not a prophecy of the distant future, for God told the prophet it would happen “in your days” (v. 5).

What was He going to do? He planned to raise up the Babylonians and use them to conquer Judah. This is stunning in at least two ways—spiritually, in that a pagan nation would be used to judge God's people, and politically, in that the mighty Assyrians were about to be displaced as a world superpower. The imagery relates mostly to hunting and prey. Like a leopard or vulture, the Babylonians would descend upon their hapless victims. They would be as irresistible as a desert wind, defeating even those seemingly secure in fortified cities. But God was under no illusion about the Babylonians. He knew they were idolators. He knew they would be “ruthless” and portrayed them as typical conquerors (vv. 6-7), that is, as proud lovers of power and domination who would be dreaded by others and “whose own strength is their god” (v. 11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When reading biblical prophecy, it is helpful to have handy a timeline or chronology of events. Otherwise, we can get lost in the various historical episodes that are presented as past, present, and future from the prophet's perspective. If your Bible has such a timeline among its resources, we encourage you to study it along with this month's devotionals. If not, or if you're looking for something more in-depth, you can obtain a reference such as The Chronology of the Old Testament (book and CD-ROM), by Dr. Floyd Nolen Jones.