Micah & Nahum - 8 Sessions
Micah and Nahum, though written nearly a century apart, both powerfully address themes of divine justice and judgment while highlighting God's faithfulness to His people, with Micah balancing stern warnings against social injustice with messianic promises of restoration, and Nahum focusing on God's judgment against the brutal Assyrian empire. As theologian John Calvin observed, "When all things were in a state of confusion, when the land was full of daily terrors, when dreadful dangers were disturbing everyone's mind, they constantly recalled to memory what they had learned - that they were under God's care."
Session 1: "Hear the Warning: Judgment on the Nations"- Micah 1:1–2:13
Session 2: "Walk Humbly: Condemnation of Corruption"- Micah 3:1–12
Session 3: "See the Vision: A Future of Peace"- Micah 4:1–5:15
Session 4: "Act Justly: God’s Case Against His People"- Micah 6:1–16
Session 5: "Trust the Shepherd: Hope in God’s Mercy"- Micah 7:1–20
Session 6: "Witness the Wrath: God’s Justice Revealed"- Nahum 1:1–15
Session 7: "Break the Chains: The Fall of the Oppressor"- Nahum 2:1–13
Session 8: "Stand in Awe: The Finality of God’s Judgment"- Nahum 3:1–19
Micah Introduction
Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah and Amos, lived during a time of significant social and religious upheaval in Judah. His message, while delivered centuries ago, resonates powerfully with our own lives today.
Micah, a shepherd from the rural countryside, was a man of the people. He spoke truth to power, fearlessly denouncing the corruption of the wealthy and the spiritual apathy of the religious leaders. He warned of impending judgment for social injustice and called for a return to true righteousness.
As Christians today, we can approach the Old Testament with a profound sense of reverence and awe. It's crucial to remember that the Old Testament serves as the foundation upon which the New Testament is built. As C.S. Lewis eloquently put it, 'Christianity is not a religion for grown-up children. It is a religion for grown-up people.' We must engage with these ancient texts with the same intellectual and spiritual maturity that we bring to any other area of our lives.
While the Old Testament contains laws and narratives that may seem archaic to us, its core message of love, justice, and compassion remains timeless. As N.T. Wright reminds us, 'The Old Testament is not primarily about rules, it's about relationship.' It's a story of God's unwavering love for his people, a story that culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ.
Let us approach the book of Micah with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand the prophet's message within its historical and cultural context. May we allow his words to challenge our own consciences and inspire us to live lives of greater justice and compassion in the world today."
Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Nahum, Introduction
The book of Nahum vividly portrays God's judgment on the oppressive city of Nineveh. While the specific details of this judgment may seem distant to us today, the underlying message of God's concern for the oppressed and his eventual triumph over evil remains profoundly relevant. As the prophet himself declares, 'The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him' (Nahum 1:7). This message of God's protection and comfort in times of hardship continues to resonate with believers across generations."
While the Old Testament is a vital part of our faith, it's crucial to remember that it was written in a specific historical and cultural context. As F.F. Bruce, a renowned biblical scholar, reminds us, 'The Old Testament is not primarily a textbook of theology, but a record of the unfolding of God's redemptive purpose in history.' We shouldn't try to force every detail onto modern society. Instead, we should seek to understand the overarching themes of God's faithfulness, justice, and love for his people.