Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

POOR PEOPLE'S PROPHET Micah's words saved the life of Jeremiah. Long after Micah died, Jeremiah was put on trial for his life. The religious leaders did not like what Jeremiah was preaching, and they sought to kill him. However, when the priests and the people reviewed Micah's words, they found that Jeremiah's message was correct. They decided against killing the weeping prophet. Micah was greatly respected as a prophet of Judah and Israel; his book is written to both nations. He is often called the "prophet of the poor" because of his defense of them. His writing style is rough and rugged, and his rebuke of sin is plainspoken. Most famous in our day for his prophecy of Christ's birthplace, Micah shone like a jewel against the dark background of his time. He was a friend of Isaiah and probably preached with him for more than fifty years. Also known as the "practical prophet," Micah states simply what God expects of man: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. His clear and practical communication won respect and admiration. Christ's coming Kingdom is detailed in the prophecy of Micah. He looks to the time the Messiah will be born and beyond that to the time Christ's eternal Kingdom will be universal, peaceful, and prosperous. He says that Israel will be regathered to her homeland, a prophecy we have seen come to pass in our own lifetime. In reviewing the book of Micah, we find that it points forward to the first coming and the return of our Lord. The modern believer loves the meaningful messages of Micah.