The message from prophet Micah
Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #449 When We Walk With the Lord (#377 in previous version)
The name ‘Micah’ means ‘one like the Lord’. He is a prophet who lived before the age of captivity, during the same age as the prophet Isaiah. He was not in charge of huge works like the prophets Isaiah or Jeremiah, but he was a needed prophet who relayed God’s message during those times. In particular, he is the prophet who warned Samaria and Jerusalem constantly. Likewise, although we may not be workers who stand before many people, it is crucial to stand as the evangelist who valuably shares the Gospel in our small given fields. There is something we must remember from the entire book of Micah.
1. The vessel to enjoy the Gospel
Many people, regardless of the Gospel, fall into unbelief and are broken and discouraged in the face of problems and reality. The Gospel is perfect, but there are many times when we do not have the vessel to enjoy the Gospel. Prophet Micah mostly shared the messages regarding sin and judgment and false prophets, and this can easily be seen as the Israelites not being able to enjoy the Gospel they possessed. Hence, hardships continued unceasingly.
2. Those who held on to the Gospel with difficulty
Micah directly prophesied Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Moreover, he even prophesied the specifics of Christ, describing Him as one who will ‘shepherd His flock in the majesty of the name of the Lord (Micah 5:4~5),’ ‘my God will hear me (Micah 7:7~8),’ and ‘hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).’ However, how accurately did the Israelites realize and discover the Gospel? There were numerous times throughout the Old Testament when they were unable to realistically realize the commission of the Gospel, evangelism and missions. Nevertheless, God even allowed wars, tribulations, problems and crises so as to bring them to realize the Gospel by force. What are we like today?
3. The life of enjoying the true Gospel
Henceforth, we must live the life of the evangelist who properly knows and enjoys the Gospel. God’s great works will undoubtedly follow. In our present fields, we must discover what is ours, what our commission is and what we will devote ourselves to. In addition, we can only stand as leaders when we possess objectivity and spirituality. Always enjoy happiness within prayer and the vast power that comes from there.
- By what level do I enjoy the Gospel? Am I forcefully holding on to and realizing the Gospel?
Remnant Theological Seminary Seminar/ 2010.12.8