Discussion Guide for Wednesday, March 25, 2020
DOING JUSTICE
Unit Theme: God Requires Justice
Print Text: Micah 3:1-3, 9-12; 6:6-8
Key Verse: Micah 6:8
Big Idea
Micah was the “commoner” of the prophets who championed those who were wronged politically and religiously. He was from a small village about 20-25 miles southwest of Jerusalem, and for 42 years, he ministered in the city of Jerusalem under three kings – Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. While Hosea was preaching in the Northern Kingdom and Isaiah was preaching in the Southern Kingdom, Micah is the only prophet with a message for both kingdoms. Micah pulled no punches when he preached because he had been sent by God to call His people to practical righteousness. Micah lived to see one his prophecies come to pass in the fall of the Northern Kingdom to Assyria, but it would take over 100 years for the Southern Kingdom to fall at the hands of Babylon. In Jeremiah 26:18, the ministry of Micah is used to confirm the prophecy of Jeremiah.
One of the special features of Micah is the use of a special literary form called “the divine covenant lawsuit”, which has all of the elements of a legal proceeding. The charge against the people of God in this section is that the leaders (the politicians, the priests, and the prophets) had betrayed the trust of the people and were actively seeking to oppress those of the lower class. Micah illustrates this betrayal with a shepherd who attacks his sheep rather than protects them. To make matters worse, these leaders were using their theology to justify their political behavior. They held to a doctrine known as “the inviolability of Zion”, which held that Jerusalem was unable to be destroyed because the earthly throne of God was located in the temple there. However, the coming destruction of Jerusalem could be traced to their inequity as leaders. When the opportunity for their defense finally comes, these wicked leaders attempt to buy their way out of God’s judgment. Still Micah responds that doing penance does not replace genuine repentance.
Discussion Questions
- Are there any similarities between this ancient text and our contemporary times? Are there any similarities between the unjust leaders of Micah’s day and our day? How will this inform your prayers?
Prayer Focus
Lord, have mercy upon those who love what is evil and hate what is good. Turn our hearts toward justice and mercy. Help us to walk before You with genuine faith and humility. Give us the courage to stand with the oppressed and to lend our voices to those who cannot speak for themselves.
Next Steps
Micah 6:8 (NCV) says “The Lord…has told you what He wants from you: to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God.” These are not individual activities to pursue, but a formula for living out practical righteousness. This week, make a conscious effort to randomly be kind to someone who cannot repay you. Don’t tell anyone about it…but God.
Want to Get Ahead?
Read and meditate on Malachi 2:1-9; 3:5-6 in your devotional time this week.
Greater Beulah Missionary Baptist Church 