Micah 1:1 - Homiletics

True spiritual teachers.

A preface is often regarded as of comparative unimportance, and many readers ignore it and pass on to the perusal of the work itself. Let not this preface to the Book of Micah be thus summarily dismissed. Every word of God is "profitable." This introductory verse is very suggestive of teachings bearing upon holy service in the cause of God in our own age. The Hebrew prophets were not merely foretellers; they were also the religious educators of the people amongst whom they laboured. We are reminded here that—

I. TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHERS ARE ENTRUSTED WITH A REVELATION FROM GOD . Note:

1 . This revelation is given in the form of words. "The word of the Lord that came to Micah." Thoughts may be communicated by utterance, actions, and in writing. In the olden time God communicated his thoughts to Moses on the mount and to the Israelites by the living voice, and to the seers by dreams and visions. In all times he has unfolded his thoughts in actions ( Psalms 19:1 , Psalms 19:2 ). To us he reveals his thoughts in the written Word. And it is just in proportion as, taught by the Divine Spirit, we enter into the meaning of the Word of God, and recognize in its teachings a message committed unto us to deliver, that we are qualified to be teachers of spiritual truth ( 2 Corinthians 5:18 , 2 Corinthians 5:19 ).

2 . This revelation comes to us stamped with Divine authority. "The word of the Lord." There was no tone of uncertainty about the utterances of the Hebrew seers; nothing that was speculative, theoretical, problematical, in what they said; nothing that could be described as the creation of their own fancy and imagination. Whilst each prophet retained his own individual peculiarities and natural gifts, so. that a pleasing variety meets us in their writings, each announcement was accompanied by " Thus saith the Lord." In our own day all the resources of sanctified genius and endowment should be laid upon the altar of service to God; but let all uncertainty be dismissed. The messenger must not betray a hesitating tone, as though doubtful whether he has any message to deliver. He has glorious certainties to announce, an authoritative message to declare; and, with confident and unwavering trust, should go forth and publish the bright realities of our faith .

3 . This revelation is made very real to the inner consciousness of the teacher. "The word of the Lord that came to Micah," "which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem." It was an inward experience with the prophet, a deep inwrought conviction. The word of the Lord took possession of his very soul, and became part and parcel of his very being, touching, quickening, inspiring his whole nature. The circumstances of his nation, too, were vividly presented to him, and the events to be fulfilled were as real as though they had already taken place or were transpiring before his eyes. "Which he saw." The same expression is used with reference to Amos ( Amos 1:1 ) and Habakkuk ( Habakkuk 1:1 ). So still: "That which we have heard," etc. ( John 1:1-3 ). A deeper experimental acquaintance with the truth to be proclaimed would impart to the heralds of it a holier earnestness, and would clothe them with mighty energy and irresistible power. "Let your heart take in by its secret veins that, which comes pure from Heaven in showers of blessing: so shall its issues, so far as your influence extends, contribute to fertilize the wilderness" (Arnot). And the heart must be in sympathy with those to whom the truth is to be communicated. The circumstances of his nation pressed upon the heart of Micah. So Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 3:15 ) and Paul ( Romans 10:1 ). George Fox said, "I prayed to God that he would baptize my heart into the sense of all conditions , so that I might be able to enter into the needs and sorrows of all."

II. TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHERS HAVE OFTEN BEEN RAISED UP AND PREPARED FOR THEIR WORK IN RETIRED AND . OBSCURE PLACES . "The word of the Lord that came to Micah the Morasthite." Many of the Hebrew prophets sprang from humble and retired localities. Elkosh, Gathhepher, Tishbe, Abel-Meholah, Anathoth, Moresheth-Gath,—how comparatively insignificant and unknown these places appear! and yet out of them respectively came Nahum, Jonah, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, and Micah. Country life has its special advantages by way of preparing the mind and heart for holy service. It affords a better opportunity for getting the spirit affected with the power and goodness of God as expressed in his works; for scenes of natural beauty are continually unfolded to the view, and of which the citizen is deprived. "God made the country, man the town." Quiet retirement, too, is more available, securing thus facilities for meditation, reflection, and heart communion. There is so much less to distract and divert the attention than is presented amidst life in the great centres. Yet he who lives in retirement, if designed for prominent service, will not fail, even in his remoteness from the activities of city life, to inform himself concerning the character of the age in which he lives, and to keep himself abreast with it, but will be observant of "the signs of the times," and will familiarize himself with these, even as Micah, away in Moresheth-Gath, was familiar with the moral and spiritual condition of his people, and with the doings of kings and nobles, prophets and priests. It is often a source of discouragement to some engaged in service to God that they are called upon to work in very retired spheres, and they ardently long for more scope and wider influence. It should be no slight consolation to such that their spheres, though retired, may nevertheless afford them far reaching power for good. Perchance under their care may be those whom God has designed for very influential service, and that through their ministry these are being prepared for their life work; and that in due course, leaving the village and going forth to their mission in city or town, at home or it may be in some far off land, they will carry with them holy influences which have been exerted upon them by one who may never be known to fame, but whose "witness shall be in heaven, and whose record shall be on high."

III. TRUE SPIRITUAL TEACHERS WILL ADAPT THEMSELVES TO THE AGE THEY ARE TO SEEK TO INFLUENCE . "The word … in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." An examination of the period indicates that it was an age:

1 . Thoroughly corrupt. Nobles, priests, prophets, had alike corrupted their way. Micah denounced with holy boldness the sins of the times ( Micah 2:1 , Micah 2:2 , Micah 2:7-11 ; Micah 3:1-4 , Micah 3:5 , Micah 3:7 ).

2 . Manifestly formal. In sublime diction Micah enforced the spirituality of genuine worship and the practical character of sincere piety ( Micah 6:6-8 ).

3 . Utterly unpatriotic. With loyal spirit he recalled the past of their national history, which should have stirred their hearts anew ( Micah 2:12 ; Micah 6:4 , Micah 6:5 ; Micah 7:14 , Micah 7:15 , Micah 7:20 ).

4 . Setting in darkness. The cup of iniquity was fast filling. The fate of Samaria was sealed. Jerusalem also was reserved for desolation. But whilst declaring the coming judgments, Micah also declared the Divine mercy to the penitent ( Micah 7:18 ), and, whilst announcing the approaching ruin, he looked beyond the gathering darkness and the falling shadows, and saw by faith "the mighty Child" appearing in the obscure village of Bethlehem in an age to come, and who should prove himself "a Shepherd more royal even than David," and who should usher in "a peace even more universal than that of Solomon" ( Micah 5:2 ). And so did this distinguished seer adapt himself to the age he was commissioned to serve. And in like manner, he who would work successfully in the present day must fully consider the nature of the times, and the special needs of men. Failure does not always arise from want of ability, but often from lack of adaptation. The thing done is good enough in itself, but is not suited to the occasion. There is a Hindu proverb, "The chariot is weak at sea, and the ship on land." In no respect did the Divine Master, the great Prophet of the Church, more thoroughly excel all other instructors than in the marvellous suitability of all his methods and utterances to the deepest needs of those amongst whom he laboured.

Learn:

1 . To depend upon God for the teaching of his Spirit, and to receive the truth from him.

2 . To gather up strength in retirement for future service.

3 . To seek to be inspired with holy courage, so as to declare all the counsel of God.

4 . To strengthen your hearts amidst present difficulties and darkness by the prospect of that full and complete salvation which shall be accomplished by Christ.