This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue looking at the Minor Prophets.
What Is Micah? The book of Micah contains God’s judgment against the nation of Judah. It also includes prophecies about the fall of Samaria, the Babylonian captivity, the eventual return from exile, and the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.
How Micah Fits Into the Story: The book of Micah demonstrates that God is holy and just, and that He demands holiness and justice from all people. Micah’s audience had grown content in going through religious motions without genuine devotion, but he preached that true religion comes from a heart tuned to God, resulting in godly living. Those who refuse to repent will face God’s judgment, but the faithful will find His salvation and be led by the true King.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why is it tempting to pursue external displays of obedience over internal heart change? Why do you think Israel continually gave in to this temptation?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
It’s so tempting to pursue the external displays of obedience, because it’s so much easier. Heart-change takes complete life-change; humility, conviction and abandonment of known comfortability. I think Israel continually gave in to this temptation because they were broken as we all are, and because it was easier to offer up burnt offerings and sacrifices instead of relinquishing their false idols and positions of power and instead offering up their hearts and all control to God; just as we struggle with now. So grateful for God’s mercy and graciousness in the midst of our stubbornness and selfish ways!
Following God from the inside requires more time and chance. This type of inward change is harder than following a list of rules.
Society is against our God. Change comes from the heart ❤️
Sending hugs and love Munchkin❤
My hope is to grow my relationship closer with God. I LOVE JESUS!
I swear I need to repeat to myself all the time that God is not looking at the “holy” things I do but at my heart. The activities don’t make me any more holy, but my heart being open to transformation, filled with gratitude, humility, and a deep longing for my Savior to come restore it. Without Him I am nothing, and if I do the “holy” activities without Him in them then they really don’t matter.
Micah 1:8 Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.
I’ve loved this verse ever since I heard in a song in the movie Courageous. To do these things requires a love for God and a desire to know Him. To answer the first question, “Why is it tempting to pursue external displays of obedience over internal heart change?” and “Why do you think Israel continually gave in to this temptation?”, I think that the answer is, it’s just easier and maybe some people may think that if they demonstrate acts of obedience, their heart will catch up, you know, fake it till you make it. I know that for me on the days, sometimes weeks that I run out of the house without praying, reading God’s word or seeking His face, it’s really hard for me to testify about Jesus in my life or lift someone up in prayer. I have a lost for words. When I try to do these things a wave of guilt rushes over as if my prayer is bouncing off of the ceiling. I feel that people can see or hear in my voice that my heart is less connected to God. I thank God for the conviction. I’m praying for you MUNCHKIN and all of my She Reads Truth sisters.
Munchkin, I will pray for you.