In whom or in what do you ultimately place your trust? Most of us would initially respond that our hope is placed in the Lord. However, if we examine our hearts and lives, we might have to admit that we are often tempted to place our trust in earthly people or things. For example, money promises to ensure that we will be secure and that our needs will be met in this life, so we are tempted to place our hope in financial resources rather than in God. In Micah 5:7-15, Micah offers a word of hope regarding God’s restoration of the remnant of Jacob, which, ironically, promises that God will cut off horses, chariots and strongholds. In a section about hope and restoration, this seems unusual. However, Micah points out that God’s people will most assuredly know the Lord is the source of their hope because He will cut off all other forms of security and strength. God is not revealing His hatred against His people. He is restoring His holiness in His people.
READ:
Micah 5:7-15 • Psalm 23:1-2 • 1 John 5:4-5 • Acts 4:12 • John 6:44 • Luke 19:10
• What is the remnant mentioned in Micah 5:7-8? Why does God always gather a remnant of His people following His judgment or “scattering” in the Old Testament? According to verse 7, how will God’s people be blessing to other nations? What does “dew” and “showers on grass” refer to? Read Psalm 23. What are the blessings from God (our Shepherd) mentioned in this passage?
• Why does God allow us to experience seasons of “defeat” in order to experience seasons of victory? Describe a time God used a difficult season in your life to eventually bring you to a joyous season?
• Micah reveals Israel will be changed. What three things will be taken away according to 5:5-14 (military power, sorcery, idolatry)? What do all three of these things represent? Do these changes represent God’ rejections or rescue? Explain. What are some examples of false hopes and securities that people often put their hope in today?
• How does God save us from ourselves? Why do we need rescuing? Read John 6:44 and Luke 19:10. Does God pursue us or do we come to Him for salvation (or both)?
• In 5:15, God states, “In anger and wrath I will execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey.” What have these nations done that is going to bring the wrath of God upon them? Does this judgment include the remnant mentioned 5:7-8? Why or why not?
DISCUSS:
• According to your bank statement, your calendar, your plans and your daydreams, who or what are you hoping in right now? Are there any false hopes that you need to abandon?
• Today our idols are not carved pillars, Asherah images, or golden statues. What are the idols that we worship? Does being saved by grace mean God no longer judges idolatry?
• Do you see God as just a loving God? Do you view Him as a wrathful God? Do you see God as both loving and wrathful? How do you hold these two characteristics in tension?