From: December 15, 2020
From: December 15, 2020
From: December 15, 2019
From: December 16, 2017
From: December 15, 2016
Micah prophesied that “kingship” would come to a “hill” where stood the “tower of the flock.” This prophecy points to the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In the Hebrew, the phrase “tower of the flock” is “Migdal Edar.” It described both a tower and a place. It would have been a two-story stone watchtower that the shepherds used to keep watch over their flocks. And “Migdal Edar” also described a place near Bethlehem on the road to Jerusalem (Gen.35:19-21). The tower would have been on a “hill” to enlarge the shepherd’s view from the top story. The bottom story was used as a stable for newborn lambs. The shepherds of Bethlehem were known for raising sacrificial lambs to sell to the Temple in Jerusalem. It was to these shepherds at “Migdal Edar” that Micah prophesied the Messiah, the Lamb of God, would come. And so He did.
From: December 15, 2015
One of the psalms of ascent, written to prepare pilgrims as they climbed the steps to the temple. This psalm was addressed to those who served in the temple at night. Certainly, it addressed the Levites assigned to serve as a night watch, that their work should never be considered mundane but always worshipful. It also brings to mind those like the old woman Anna who continually fasted and prayed at the temple (Luke 2:47). Today, it is a reminder to those who serve the Lord to remember to offer praise to Him even in the most mundane moments of service. It also encourages those who are experiencing sleepless nights not to waste the time, but to take the opportunity to lift up hands of worship to God.
From: December 15, 2014
In Revelation 6, John saw Christ the Lamb open six of the seven seals. The first four seals revealed the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The word “apocalypse” comes from the Greek and literally means, “to unveil, to reveal.” Thus, the title of the book, the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” The identity of the four horsemen is a matter of much debate. But understanding that the best way to interpret Scripture is by Scripture, a careful comparison of Christ’s description of the last days in Matthew 24 with Revelation 6 is helpful. The first rider has a crown, a bow and rides a white horse. This represents religious deception, those that come claiming to be Christ, deceiving many (Matt. 24:5). The second rider comes with a sword and riding a red horse. This represents the increase of wars in the earth (Matt. 24:6-7 “wars and rumors of wars”). The third rider comes carrying scales and riding a black horse. This represents famine (Matt. 24:7). And the fourth rider comes on a pale (Greek, “chloros” – pale green) horse and represents disease and pestilence (Matt. 24:7). When will these four horsemen appear? I believe they were released when Christ ascended and have roamed the earth in ever-increasing ways ever since. Yet, we should not be afraid, for Christ the Lamb has revealed this to us, so that we would love His appearing.
From: December 15, 2013
After three chapters of judgment, God spoke of a future day when the nations would “study war no more.” But this peace cannot precede judgment. Otherwise, the seeds of the next war would be contained therein. Many asked Micah to stop preaching such stuff. Too negative. But Micah replied with the word of the Lord, “Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly?” In other words, the one who “walks uprightly” understands that real peace is more than the cessation of hostilities. It is the changing of the human heart that comes only through the Lord, that fills everyone with love and forgiveness.
From: December 15, 2012
The prophet Micah foretold a day when Judah would fall to Babylon and their children would be taken. Evil always targets the innocent. Didn’t the worldly king Herod kill all those under two years in Bethlehem, trying to kill Jesus? What happened in Newton, CT yesterday reminds us that evil is real and that humanity is fallen and that Jesus is our only hope of redemption.
From: December 15, 2011
A description of the Millennial Kingdom where the nations sing, “I ain’t gonna study war no more!” Only the Lord can bring such a thing to pass. His return will finally accomplish “Peace on Earth.”