Micah 2:1-13
The Israelites in Micah’s day were going astray as chapter one describes. God declares His impending judgment on the people. We learn more detail about the sins of the people in chapter two. Things had become so bad that the people would stay up at nights thinking about the evil they would cause the next day. This chapter points out that in all facets of their lives, the people lived the exact opposite lives from what the Scriptures described. Psalm 1 says that the godly’s delight is in the law of the Lord day and night. In like manner Psalm 4 says to “meditate with your own heart on your bed and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.” God’s people are to contemplate the scriptures night and day, but the people in Micah’s day spent their time devising evil. In addition to this, they would rob and steal from widows and orphans, the most vulnerable people in their society. The Old Testament says they are to care for and protect the orphans and widows. If this wasn’t bad enough, they would lie in wait for travelers who are described in the chapter as being good men who seek peace. They would rob and plunder these travelers who thought they would be safe passing through the holy land that was God’s land. The seventh commandment and the 9th commandment are focal points in chapter two. In stealing and plundering others, the people were moving in the opposite direction of God. When God had given the promised land to Israel, Joshua cast lots and divided the land per tribe. Once the twelve tribes were given their share, then lots were cast to give each family a portion of land within the boundaries of the tribe. It is understood in the Old Testament that this was God’s hand that was dividing the land. The thread running through this entire action is the notion and understanding that each family--each tribe--received exactly what God wanted them to have in terms of land and possessions. The people understood that they were blessed and they needed no more than what God gave them. But here they are, in the land God had given them hundreds of years prior and it wasn’t enough. Again, they went in direct contradiction to the word of the Lord. Suddenly, the prophet Micah prophesies and the people are told that due to their unbelief, God is going to take away even what He has given them. The land will vomit them out. They are to leave. They are to go into captivity. The words of Micah demonstrate great struggle during his day, and we cannot help but wonder how things came to be so bad. What happened? How could people be given so much and yet, not see the gifts given? The answer lies in the preaching of the false prophets. They only preached soft teachings that were pleasant to the ears. They were rarely given good direction and teaching, which the godly understood to be like battle armor. The people were softened to the point that they were not ready for Satan’s attacks and the battle which the sinful flesh wages. Micah tells us in verse 6 that the people wanted to stop the mouths of the holy and good prophets because what the good ones preached were sermons that were not easy to digest. Micah, for example, preached truth. He preached in such a way that the people would be ready for the spiritual enemies’ attack. To have to listen to words of caution, meant that people had to ponder difficult things. It meant that they had to contemplate doctrines and real life decisions that would make life more difficult. But, prophets like Micah cared for the souls of the people. He was concerned about the overall nation of God’s people. There were people in Israel who wanted to hear the truthful words of the good prophets, but the words of judgment from God would be the same for all. They would be punished as one nation, as one body. All would be forced to leave the promised land. In our culture today, we look at ourselves as individuals. It is very difficult to see ourselves as one united body but we are a part of the church catholic. We are a part of something greater and the reality is that if there is a weakness in the body of Christ, it will have implications for the whole body. If we listen to God’s men as they preach, and God’s men are preaching Law-Gospel sermons from the Holy Scriptures, then the body is prepared and healthy. If the church refuses to hear the words of life, even as difficult as they may be at times, and the people live unrepentant lives contrary to the scriptures or any combination therein, then the church will suffer. If the pastor only preaches soft, non-offensive sermons, then the church will soon be spiritually unprepared, without her armor buckled, adorned, and in place to protect her from the fiery darts of Satan. It can happen and we have plenty of examples throughout history to bear this out. Yet, Micah gives the Israelites hope at the end of the chapter. It takes two chapters (27 verses in Micah) before there is any gospel, but it flows across the pages of the Hebrew text with utmost beauty. Micah prophesies that God will assemble Israel once again. A remnant shall return. God will put them together like sheep in waiting. They shall make great noise, which hints of their distress--of their captivity. We are told of a man who shall come who is called a “breaker” who will break up the enemy, break open the gate for the unsettled sheepfold and all shall be freed as they pass out of the gate into the wonderful, free pasture. This same man is the king who will go before the sheep and we are told as the chapter concludes that this “breaker” and “king” is the Lord Himself. These last two verses of gospel speak of Christ’s coming. He shall break forth on the head of the oppressor and gain the victory. The Savior, we are told in Genesis, will bruise the head of the serpent. Jesus shall open the sheep gate and lead the remnant of Israel into the pastures of heaven. This is your story. This is your conclusion. The Lord has given you what He wants you to have. His love is perfect and sufficient. The Lord cares for your every need. Nothing is lacking that comes from the Lord. The good news is that you are not left alone as an individual. While you are each individuals, Jesus has grafted you into something greater--the body of Christ, the church. We struggle together, we rejoice together, we share in the gifts of Christ together. We are part of that sheep-fold that was restless, but the Lord Jesus has come breaking open the gates of death and setting us free. The sheepfold is the church and we have been ransomed from the enemy by Christ Jesus, who forgives you of your sins. You graze in His pasture even now, as He attends to your needs through the Holy Word and the precious sacrament. The Lord has seen fit to let you partake in His good heritage and salvation. The King has come and brings pleasure eternal. Through the holy word preached, the church is dressed in armor and ready and looks to their “breaker” and “king” Jesus Christ, who has broken through the gates of death with His cross and has single-handedly given the victory and peace, where we were once unsettled due to our captivity of sin. -- Rev. Chad Kendall Trinity Lutheran Church Lowell, Indiana www.trinitylowell.org
