WE SHALL NOT DIE - Reading With the People of God #17نموونە

IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES AND THE BEST OF TIMES

As we continue in Micah today, we will see the literary genre of lament. It seems clear that just like what Samaria experienced, a similar fate waits for Judah. The prophet sees an invading army and 12 cities, including Jerusalem, are in its path. Wordplays on the names of the cities will express the nature of their judgment. I’m sure even for a prophet, the fall of Jerusalem would be difficult to imagine. Between vv. 2-7 and vv. 8-16, approximately 20 years have taken place. The King of Assyria, Sennacherib, would arrive in 701 B.C., but Jerusalem would not fall until the summer of 586 B.C. Truly, this was the worst of times and cause for much lamenting. Divine protection would be no more. God will not be mocked…He could only wait so long for Israel to turn from its sin. A holy God demands justice.

In our Luke passage, we will read again the famous Christmas story that so many read each year. Having shared the account of how John the Baptist was born, Luke will now, with amazing historical detail, give the account of Jesus, who is Christ the Lord! After the birth narrative, we will read about the circumcision of Jesus, followed by the prophetic announcements of Simeon and Anna. Before finishing chapter 2, we will see the boy Jesus visiting the temple. It will be the only childhood story we have in the Scriptures. Truly, this was the best of times and cause for joy and giving glory to God.

Though these narratives may seem like simple story-telling, try to reflect on the characteristics of God you see in these texts. Praise Him for being the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder