Read:
Micah 3
In this chapter the rulers are condemned
for their wicked practices. Instead of
ruling with holiness and righteousness they abuse their power and seek personal
gain instead of ensuring justice for all.
Three specific groups of rulers are mentioned: princes (or leaders/rulers), priests and prophets. The princes are metaphorically tearing skin
off of the people, in other words, they are ripping them off. They were only concerned about money. Their punishment will be that in their time
of trouble, God will ignore them and not answer them (v. 1-4). The sin of the Prophets was prophesying peace
when they were paid well and prophesying doom when they were not paid well. For lining their own pockets God would bring
darkness so dark that they would not be able to see and He will take away their
dreams and visions (v. 5-7). This is in
contrast to Micah, who is a true prophet (v. 8) exposing the people’s sin. Verse eleven gives a good summary – the
princes, priest and prophets are all filled with greed! They care more about money than they do about
truth and are deceived into thinking that they falsely trust the Lord will
protect them! Because of their sin
Jerusalem will be destroyed and the temple will be left in ruins (v. 12).
Prayer
and Journaling
1. In verse 8 Micah says that he will stand
up for what is right and proclaim the truth!
How is this a model for you to follow?
Ask Jesus to show you what this should look like in your life?
2. Greed is a common theme in chapter
three. Greed can have many faces, many
of which we can be blind to. Re-read the
chapter, asking the Lord to show you His definition of greed. Ask the Lord how you can apply what He has
shown you in your walk with Him.
3. The actions of the princes, priests and
prophets have a direct effect on the nation.
Ask the Lord how you can pray for our nation’s leaders and church
