The short book of Micah is a theologically rich and important book. Micah lived and prophesied around the same time as Isaiah. He prophesied to both Judah and Israel. Micah warned of God’s coming judgment because the leaders and prophets of the land are becoming wealthy through theft and greed at the expense of the poor. Therefore, God has withdrawn His protection on them. Disaster is therefore coming as punishment on the people, but each section of warning of judgment ends with a message of hope and restoration. God will shepherd the remnant of His people. God will exalt his temple in New Jerusalem and the people will stream to it for peace on all the earth (Micah 4:1-3). Micah records the promise of a new messianic king in the line of David that will rule New Jerusalem. This messiah will be born in the town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The New Testament uses Micah’s prophecy to point to Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Messiah.

Perhaps the most famous passage of Micah is his proclamation of what God requires of His people:

“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) This is exactly what Israel has not been doing and this will be the cause of their downfall. Therefore, Micah is calling Israel to repent of their transgressions of the law of God.

Yet the judgment would come because Israel would not repent. They would be overtaken, but Micah knows that God will bring His people back. He closes his prophecy be appealing to God’s character and God’s promises.

“Who is a God like you, forgiving iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not hold on to his anger forever because he delights in faithful love. He will again have compassion on us; he will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show loyalty to Jacob and faithful love to Abraham, as you swore to our fathers from days long ago.” (Micah 7:18-20).

This is a message that we can cling to today. We know God’s character as He has revealed it through His Word. He forgives sin and rebellion for those who call upon the name of the Savior, God the Son who is Jesus Christ. Jesus took all of our sins. They were cast upon Him and He took them to the grave. He is faithful to His character as merciful and gracious. Further, He is faithful to His promises. He has promised that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13). When the time of judgement comes for the sins the world has committed, those who have trusted Christ will be exempted from the punishment and will live for all eternity with Christ, the prophesied Messiah, in the New Jerusalem.

We can live in peace despite our circumstances because we know that judgment will come for those who do wrong against us, but we shall rule with Christ for all eternity. Do you have the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding? If not, you can accept Him as your Savior today.