Micah 1:1-4:13 + Revelation 6:1-17 + Psalm 134:1-3 + Proverbs 30:1-4
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Old Testament – Today we start the book of the prophet Micah! Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and prophesied in approximately 730 – 700 B.C., primarily to the southern kingdom of Judah. Micah’s name means “Who is like the Lord?” This following quote is from bible.org’s Hampton Keathley IV , Th.M. on the book of Micah: “Micah prophesied during a period of upheaval and crisis. The reign of Ahaz brought spiritual lethargy, apostasy and hypocrisy. The people still worshipped Yahweh, but it was ritual without life-changing reality. Their treatment of fellow Israelites violated the basic tenants of the Mosaic covenant as they failed to practice justice, or covenant loyalty-love and their pursuit of idolatry revealed their failure to walk humbly before Yahweh.” This quote and much more on the book of Micah is at this link. Below is an engraving of Micah preaching by Gustaf Dore:
In Micah chapter 1, verse 8 stood out to me: “Because of all this, I will mourn and lament.” Micah was obviously saddened by the sins of those around him and the harm they were causing to themselves and to others. Do we mourn and lament for the sins of others in our world today? Do we mourn and lament over our own sins? Do we pray for healing and repentance in the lives of others – and ourselves? Is it okay to grieve for others and ourselves because of sin? What should we then do with this grief?
Today in Micah chapter 2 verse 11 we read this powerful verse to consider: “Suppose a prophet full of lies were to say to you, “I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and drink!” That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!” At times in our lives, do we pick and choose the “prophets” we will listen to? Do we pick and choose the pastors or teachers we will listen to? Do we look for people that will tell us basically what we want to hear? Instead, is it maybe okay for a pastor or teacher to “afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted”? Is it maybe okay if we get uncomfortable with some things we read in the Bible – at first read. But, then, do we start to reflect on and study what the challenging passages of the Bible really are saying and mean? Are we seeking Truth more than seeking being “comfortable” in our religion and our lives? Or are we just seeking comfort above all else…
Chapter 4 verse 1 stood out to me: “In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship.” What are the most important places on earth today for most people? Could it be the movies, sporting events, work, vacations, etc. What are the most important places in your life? Should church (be it a cathedral or a house church) and coming together with others to worship God perhaps be the most important place on earth? Is it?
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Micah!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFEUEcylwLc
New Testament – Revelation chapter 6 begins the first of 3 seven-part judgments with the opening of the seals on the scroll! The seven trumpets in chapters 8 & 9 and the seven bowls in chapter 16 are the remaining two. The unsealing of the seals on the scroll by Jesus in this chapter sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history. Verse 12 today tells us: “I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood.”
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.
The imagery of the four horsemen in this chapter comes from Zechariah chapter 1 verses 8-17 and chapter 6 verse 1-6. In chapter 1 of Zechariah verses 8-10 we read: “During the night I had a vision-and there before me was a man riding a red horse! He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses. I asked, “What are these, my lord?” The angel who was talking with me answered, “I will show you what they are.” Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to go throughout the earth.”” This is a good example of how John is utilizing a lot of imagery for the book of Revelation from the Old Testament. And of course it is a great example of how the Old Testament is fulfilled by the New Testament.
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.
A portion of verse 8 should be noted about the 4 horsemen: “They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth.” Some commentaries have noted that this demonstrates that even in the end of days, God is continuing to show compassion. He only allows the four horsemen to do their work over 1/4th of the earth, giving everyone in the other 3/4ths of the earth an opportunity to repent and turn to Jesus.
Below is another incredible piece of artwork from Pat Marvenko Smith for Revelation chapter 6 verses 9 through 11! “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. They shouted to the Lord and said, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them.”
To order prints visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site.
Psalms – Psalm 134 is a great little Psalm! This Psalm is basically taking place as worshippers are leaving the Temple in Jerusalem for the night – and in the first two verses the Worshippers are speaking to the Levites (priests) in the temple – giving blessings to the Levites and asking them to bless God overnight. Then, in the third verse the Levites give a departing blessing to the worshippers as they leave the temple: “May the LORD, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.” And that is certainly my prayer for each of you reading this – May God bless you!
Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 30 verses 1 & 3 we read: “I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.” This might be an appropriate thought for us in this busy holiday season – “I am weary God. I am weary and tired.” If this is you, will you seek true rest? Rest that can be found only in a relationship with God? Will you seek the Holy One and seek true wisdom from God? As the late artist Rich Mullins sings, this holiday season is the “stuff of earth competing for the allegiance you owe only to the Giver of all good things?” Will you turn your heart and mind toward the Manger and leave the world behind? Will you allow the Holy One of Israel to be born into your heart once again this Christmas?
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Micah and Revelation remind me of the Matt Maher song “Alive Again.” Here’s a great live performance from Matt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSTaVmDQP5s
Are you truly alive? Click here and be made Alive Again!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, ‘I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!’ That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!” Micah 2:11 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are not listening to modern day false prophets.
Comments from you: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Jenny:
Being ‘comfortable’ is very dangerous. As in Micah, i think this is very increasingly previlant today. People dont want to be told about their sin, the blood of Christ…they want earticklers. they want a warm feeling inside. But we need truth or we are no better off. The truth about ourselves hurts…but these are good wounds. My sis was looking for a church once when she moved and found this eartickler church, she didnt like it. She said kinda jokingly, ‘I WANT to be told what a bad, evil sinner I am!’ haha.
But we need the truth about ourselves. If we are uncomfortable in this life, great!…we will be very comforted and comfortable when we die….if we seek comfort and avoid truth, we risk INCREDIBLE discomfort after we die. This life is short and eternity is just that.
I like Micah 3:4 “Then you beg the Lord for help in times of trouble! Do you really expect him to answer? After all the evil you have done, he won’t even look at you!”….maybe in our past or we may see in nonbelievers do great wrong, live ungodly lives, then beg God for help. Or get mad at God. Its like some want nothing to do with God until they need a favor. Am I sometimes guilty of this…kinda neglect my relationship with God til I need a favor, yes. guilty Wow, Rev 6:15-17 is very powerful and will be a terrifying thing. There will be a time during the Great Trib will ppl will seek death and not find it…meaning attempting suicide but not able to die that way.
I was just thinking of this the other day…my favorite place to be…Sunday night church. I enjoy Wednesdays n Sunday mornings, but on Sun. night, we really dig into the word and its a longer service, such a blessing!!!…just getting into the meat of the word and praising God…i often find myself thinking, there is no place on earth i rather be! I never want this to end!
Jenny
====== Mae:
I love Psalms 134:2 – Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the LORD.
Well, I always love the verses where the Lord is praised! I love praising the Lord! I can’t praise Him enough, thank Him for all He does!!!
“Will you allow the Holy One of Israel to be born into your heart once again this Christmas?” ~ Needless (is that a word?) to say that I will let the Holey One of Israel to be born again in my heart! He’s always in my heart though. I can feel Him living inside my heart, every minute of the day! I’m so aware being a reborn Christian, I can talk about my faith all day long! I’m so passionate about Him! I defenitly found my rest in God. For years I’ve been looking for ‘something’ and the day I was saved I knew it was God I was looking for. I’m never letting go, ever again!!!
Mae
===== Rebecca:
Micah 2:12-13 “I’m calling a meeting Jacob. I want everyone back–all the survivors of Israel. I’ll get them together in one place–like sheep in a fold, like cattle in a corral, a milling throng of homebound people! THEN I, GOD WILL BURST ALL CONFINEMENTS AND LEAD THEM OUT INTO THE OPEN. THEY’LL FOLLOW THEIR KING. I WILL OUT IN FRONT LEADING THEM!” Wow! This is what is going on in my life now. The Lord has had my husband in a season of confinement, BUT GOD is GETTING READY to BURST ALL CONFINEMENTS and LEAD us OUT into THE OPEN. We Will Follow Him and HE WILL LEAD US ALL THE WAY TO VICTORY! HALLELUJAH!
Rebecca
======== Vance:
Revelation 6 (NKJV)
11
THEN A WHITE ROBE WAS GIVEN TO EACH OF THEM; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
Revelation 7 (NKJV)
13
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”
14
And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “THESE ARE THE ONES WHO COME OUT OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION, and WASHED THEIR ROBES AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.”
MY NOTE:
Revelation 6:11 – “THEN A WHITE ROBE WAS GIVEN TO EACH OF THEM…”
Revelation 7:14 – “…COME OUT of the GREAT TRIBULATION and WASHED THEIR ROBES AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.”
==> Come out of the tribulation…
==> Obtain a white robe of cleansing and authority because of the Blood of the Lamb.
An explanatory note of the original Greek in my study Bible for New King James Version made this very interesting point:
1. The note on Revelation 7:14 indicates that words “come out” are in the continuous present tense.
2. This means these words “come out” not only occur through people in the future in the “ GREAT ” tribulation, but also “come out” applies to all people since the beginning of time.
Thus, all people—including you and I—in our present have a chance to “come out” from the temptations of sin and the burden of our tribulations to find the GLORY of the Presence of the Lord.
This makes me think of these verses, which apply to all of us each day.
2 Corinthians 6 (NKJV)
15
And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
16
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“ I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.” [Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27]
17
Therefore
“ Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” [Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 41]
18
“ I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” [2 Samuel 7:14]
I HATE RELIGION. MAY WE MOVE through superficial religion to the REALITY OF INTIMACY WITH GOD, HOLINESS, AND REST.
Vance
======= Nasser:
micah verse 11 remind me of myself how desperate and keen to warm feeling and feeding th ethe flesh and what is good for the flesh and i found for myself that if somebody tell that iam wrong i feel bad and i get so defensive and hurt the flesh want to haer good and comfortable things about ourselves but how important to receive in humble the negative things talked about ourselves and try to change i think it is important to have somebody who is frankly with and tranparent with you telling the real truth about your action and attitude this person is really loving you and not the guy who say everything good about you and cover your sins.
revelation 6: 9 -11 is a message to us that there will be people against u sand persecution still will keep on till most of the nations heard the good news .
Nasser
======= Jackie:
Thank you for your inspirational comments. I always feel so uplifted after reading the Word and then your comments. Sometimes I feel so alone in my Christan walk, as I have not yet found a church in this area where I can be fed the Word. Reading your site is an encouragement I sorely need.
I love the art you share and I just ordered the Revelation Illustrated video. I can’t wait to get it and share it with friends and family. I also loved the artwork of the infant Jesus. Where can I order a print of it? I want to display it this Christmas. It is very touching!
God Bless you and thank you for your faithful servant’s heart. I know you are blessing many others besides me!
Jackie
====== Charles:
Proverbs 30:4 (NLT)
Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down?
Who holds the wind in his fists?
Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak?
Who has created the whole wide world?
What is his name—and his son’s name?
Tell me if you know!
Charles
======= Jodie:
There are 6 seals being opened in this chapter. It unfolds the end time. Christ is king and conqueror and He holds our destiny in history. Turn our eyes upon Jesus.
“I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:1-0)
Jodie
====== Nancy:
I was surprised when the added notes to Micah spoke about actual political people. Not what I expected or think should have been said. Even if what was said was true it takes away the focus on Micah & points it towards politics. I think these notes were written a number of years ago, not current to today’s political situation which has become far worse. I believe Micah’s words are enough to point out what is wrong. They are timeless. Just my opinion.
Nancy
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