The Promise of Restoration: Micah 7 (5)

Opening Prayer: Psalm 126.1, 2
When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion,
We were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”

Sing Psalm 126.1, 2
(Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
When God restored our fortunes all, we were like those who sweetly dream.
Our mouths with joy and laughter filled, made Him our constant song and theme.

Read Micah 7.14-17

Preparation
1. What did God promise to do for His people?

2. How would the nations respond to that?

Meditation
Micah prayed that God would shepherd His people for salvation, that He would lead His flock into the rich meadows of Bashan and Gilead, and feed them with His mercy (v. 14). God had promised to send a Shepherd/King to gather and assemble His people, and then to disperse them into all the earth. Micah called on the Lord to fulfill that promise for His people.

God replied that He would do precisely that, showing His people wonders and salvation such as when He led them out of Egypt (v. 15). He sent the Good Shepherd, Jesus, Who, like Moses of old, would lead His people out of captivity, by many wonders and through many trials, into the Kingdom of promise and God.

And just as then, when the nations of Canaan were terrified at Israel’s approach (Josh. 2.8-11), so the nations of the world will “see and be ashamed of all their might…They shall be afraid of the LORD our God” when He comes to shepherd, lead, and bless His people with salvation (vv. 16, 17).

These promises are for the last days, the times in which we live. Could it be that we are not realizing them as fully as Micah foresaw because we do not believe them nor seek them as fervently and faithfully as he did?

Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
“Shepherd Your people with Your staff, the flock of Your heritage…” (Mic. 7.14).

Things were looking gloomy for the people of God. Then and now. Current events were looming. God’s judgment was coming. Then and now. For His people and the world. The difference being, ours is a chastening from our heavenly Father Who loves us. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12.5, 6). He ultimately has good in mind for us. This is our witness to the nations, that they too will be judged, but it doesn’t have to end in eternal separation from God.

Micah affirmed them and us that God’s intention, even in judgment, is to Shepherd His flock: “…for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psa. 23.4). No matter what, He still leads and guides us.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own” (Jn. 10.14).

God assures us of our standing with Him. Even in the direst of situations. When we are His, we are His!
God says about His sheep, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (Ps. 91.14-16).

Reflection
1. How do you experience the shepherding Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ?

2. Micah foresaw that the nations would see God’s care for His people and be ashamed. How should we expect this to come to past in these last days? What will this look like?

3. Even when the Lord chastens us, He is shepherding us with His love. Explain.

Micah prayed that God the Shepherd would care for His flock. Micah requested that the greatest wonders of the relationship between God and His people at the time of the Exodus would be realized anew. The response of the wicked nations to the renewed mercies of God on His people would be terror. The nations would be humiliated because they had taunted Israel in the day of its trouble (vv. 8–10). Earl Radmacher (1931-2014), NKJV Study Bible Notes on Micah 7.14-17
 
Closing Prayer: Psalm 126.3-6
Pray that God would revive His Church and lead His people to sow the Word of the Gospel with joy and power.

Sing Psalm 126.2-6
(Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
Then the astonished nations said, “The Lord has done great things for them!”
Indeed, great things our God has done, Whose Name we praise, Amen, Amen!

Restore our fortunes, Lord our King! Let grace like flowing streams prevail.
All they with tears of joy shall sing who sow while yet they weep and wail.

They who in tears of sorrow sow and cast their seed on every hand,
with joy shall reach their heav’nly home, and bring the harvest of their land.

T. M. and Susie Moore

You can listen to our summary of last week’s study by clicking here.

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.

If you find Scriptorium helpful in your walk with the Lord, please seek the Lord, asking Him whether you should contribute to the support of this daily ministry with your financial gifts. As the Lord leads, you can use the Contribute button at the website to give with a credit card or through PayPal, or you can send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 360 Zephyr Road, Williston, VT 05495.

Except as indicated, all Scriptures 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.