Scripture: One Book at a Time
The whole of Sacred Scripture is a single narrative that promises and points to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the World. It is an epic story, the greatest ever told, and told "one book at a time." Each book makes it contribution to the narrative as God reveals God's self to us and his desire that all be saved.
Lesson 36: Micah
Coming Doom; Promised Salvation
The Prophet Micah was a contemporary of Amos (prophet of the North) and Isaiah (prophet of the South). Like Isaiah, his ministry was to the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. It was a time of prosperity and peace – but the power of Assyria loomed over the horizon. Unlike Isaiah, who was a native of the holy city, Micah was an outsider from the countryside and must have been a controversial figure. He would have been unpopular with the leaders whom he condemned and the wealthy whom he criticized. He was quick to separate himself from priests and other prophets, whom he considered to be corrupt.
Micah knows the tradition that Zion is the Lord’s chosen place, but he is critical of the popular view that this election ensures the city’s security. Through the prophetic voice, the Lord announces the impending punishment of God’s people by means of military defeat and exile because of their failure to establish justice. But the same prophetic voice assures the people that after punishment God will bring the people back to their land and establish perpetual peace.
Micah reminds the people what the Lord asks of them: do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). See the video reflecting on this single passage.
For those interested in more details, consider reading this Introduction to Micah.
For those who would like to explore details of this book, please consider videos from Fr. Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” program. You can find the entire playlist here.