Take Two in the Morning: Micah 4, Proverbs 27

Chapter 4 is the second part of the sin/repentance/restoration cycle thatMicah is prophesying. In Chapter 2 we saw the sins of the people. In Chapter 3, we see that the civil leaders and the prophets had corrupted their offices and had led the people astray and affirmed their evil by not rebuking it. Chapter 3 ended with the prophesy that the land would be conquered. This will immediately be accomplished through the Assyrians; however, the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans will follow suit. As we discussed prior, God's objective in punishment is not punishment, but repentence and restoration. Chapter 4 is a Messianic prophesy of the last days. In vv.1-2, we see Jerusalem being restored as a place of honor and the House of God where God Himself teaches His ways (v.2). In v.3, we see God's righteous judgment and reign over the world. i believe this is a reference to a literal reign of Christ on earth. v.3-5 also give a picture of no more conflict with armies, nations, or peoples; rather, all people live unafraid and secure under the rule of God. vv.6-8 is a picture of full restoration of the lame, the outcasts, and those who were under God's punishment.

In v. 9, we see the shame brought against Israel. They are suffering and are harrassed, as though God were not watching over them. V.10-11 is a picture of the agony of being deported to Babylon (fast forward more than 100 years) and the plundering and defilement of their beloved Jerusalem. However, in v.12-13, we see that the nation undersestimate God's goodness and faithfulness to His convenant. The verses point to God's people being called to action (i.e. v.13, "arise and thresh") and their being victorious in moving from curse to victory.

A couple of closing observations: Some have a difficult time trying to understand prophesy because, as we see here, the prophet jumped from the Assyrian invasion to the millenial Kingdon, back to Babylonian captivity and then to the days prior to the millenial kingdom. Just to point out the obvious-- this is not because Micah needed medicine. He is recounting a vision that has not yet come to pass. Even the prophet does not understand everything about the prophesy. Just because the prophesy does not line up with a Western, linear, modern way of thinking...does not make it any less valid. Also, some find partial fulfillment (both spiritual and physical) of such prophesies in history. Some might say that the end of Babylonian captivity, the restoration of Israel as a nation, or other events as the fulfilling of the prophesy. Let me say that it is very common to have an "already...not yet" perspective on Bible prophesy. More on this later...in another forum. LET'S NOT MISS THE FOREST FOR THE TREES! Micah's point is to draw the connection between the sins of the people leading to judgment by God. In doing so, he also calls for repentance...indicating that the judgment is not "forever" but that repentance will lead to restoration. The call is to REPENT.

Proverbs 27:21 is my takeaway today. "The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him." Just as the crucible and furnace exist to purify the precious metals, the praises of men purify the man. The crcuible and furnace impose intense heat and stress on the metal. Their job is to cause the impurities to be separated from the metal in its native form so that they can be removed. Many men have come to believe what other have said about him. As a friend of mine once told me: "pay no attention to your own press clippings." You are never as good as they say you are. In essence, learning to deal with the elements of pride is a crucible.

Grace,