The Coming of the Kingdom: Micah 4 (5)

Opening Prayer: Psalm 75.4-7
“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’
And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn.
Do not lift up your horn on high;
Do not speak with a stiff neck.’”
For exaltation comes neither from the east
Nor from the west nor from the south.
But God is the Judge:
He puts down one,
And exalts another.

Sing Psalm 75.4-7
(Galilee: Jesus Calls Us)
Warn the boastful, warn the wicked: “Do not boast or raise your horn!
Do not raise your boastful voices; do not speak with pride and scorn!”

Neither east nor west nor desert shall exalting bring to man.
God is Judge, He puts one down and makes another one to stand.

Read Micah 4.11, 12

Preparation
1. Why were the nations gathered against the people of God?

2. What was God’s purpose in this?

Meditation
Solomon reminds us that “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21.1). This is the essence of Micah’s teaching in these verses. The nations that will be gathering against Israel and Judah, to destroy and carry them away captive, may consider that they are merely working their will against a hapless people (v. 11).

“But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD…” (v. 12). The Lord will gather them as His instruments of judgment. The Lord will give His people over to them. He is sovereign in this situation down to the minutest detail. The nations do not understand this; however, God’s people must (v. 12). For our hope is at all times in the sovereign power and grace of God. We may have to undergo difficulties, but if we look to the Lord and rest in Him, we can accept our circumstances and know peace.

God Himself was gathering the nations to judge His people. But in the long run, He would gather them like wheat to the threshing floor, to be thrashed, broken, and disseminated to the wind like chaff (v. 12). The people of God should thus take comfort in His sovereign might and unfailing love.

Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
To be in His hands is the best place to be, in good times and bad. Even in times of judgment, God is the safest place to find refuge.

When David disobediently numbered the people, the judgment of God was coming. The prophet Gad was sent to David to give him three choices of punishment: seven years of famine, three months of being pursued by his enemies, or three days plague in the land. Arguably, none were good choices. But David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man” (2 Sam. 24.12-14).

The enemies of God did not know the thoughts of the LORD, nor did they understand His counsel. We, as the people of the LORD, do know what brings His wrath and His delight. We can be gathered “as a hen gathers her chicks” (Matt. 23.37) and not gathered “like sheaves for the threshing” (Mic. 4.12).

“For our hope is at all times in the sovereign power and grace of God.” And to be safely snuggled in His care is a gift of His love, mercy, and grace. “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” (Deut. 33.27).

Reflection
1. Why is the sovereignty of God a source both of fear and comfort?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 2.16. Unbelievers do not know the mind of the Lord. What about believers? How should we use this great gift?

3. At the second coming of our Lord Jesus, the final great gathering of all nations and peoples will occur. Why should this be for believers a source of comfort?

… the Prophet's object is to show, that whenever the ungodly thus proudly despise us, and also reproachfully threaten and terrify us, we ought to raise our thoughts to heaven. ― Why so? Because the design of God is another. Their boastings then will vanish, for they arise from nothing, and they shall come to nothing, but the purpose of God shall stand. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on Micah 4.12
 
Closing Prayer: Psalm 75.1-3, 8-10
God is pouring out His wrath against the unbelieving world (Rom. 1.18-32). Pray for mercy for those who come under the judgment of the Lord in any way. Pray that God’s judgment will lead many to be ashamed of their sin (Ps. 83.16) and to seek Him for forgiveness. Pray for an opportunity to bear witness to the Lord Jesus today.

Sing Psalm 75.1-3, 8-10
(Galilee: Jesus Calls Us)
We give thanks, Lord, we give thanks for Your all-glorious Name is near!
Men Your wondrous works declare, Lord; let all living creatures hear!

When you choose the time of judgment, You will judge with equity.
Then the earth and all within it by Your hand no more shall be.

For the cup of judgment foams in Jesus’ sovereign, holy hand.
He has mixed it and will pour it out on every wicked man.

As for me, I will declare it: Evermore to God be praise!
He abases all the wicked,  but His righteous ones He saves!

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Micah in God’s Covenant
Where does the book of Micah fit in God’s covenant with His people? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you to answer that question and to gain a better understanding of how the grace of God reaches and transforms us in Jesus Christ. Order your free copy by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, all Scripture are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available by clicking here.