Daily Reading Week 26
Sunday
Jonah 3
DISCOVER
This past weekend we learned that God sends us so we can share with others. Take a moment and reflect over last week. Were there any “moments” that God provided for you to share with others?
In addition, we learn as we go in the places God sends us, we find people who are hungry for God’s Word and a life change. How intentional are you to position yourself in places to be God’s messenger?
In what ways for this chapter (and the whole story of Jonah) challenge your understanding of God’s grace and mercy?
RESPOND
In Jonah 3, we see Jonah receiving a second chance from God after initially refusing to obey His command to go to the city of Nineveh and proclaim its impending destruction. This time, Jonah decides to obey and goes to Nineveh, a great city known for its wickedness. He proclaims God's message, declaring that in forty days, Nineveh will be overthrown.
Remarkably, the people of Nineveh, from the greatest to the least, heed Jonah's warning. They repent, fasting and putting on sackcloth as a sign of their remorse. Even the king joins in this repentance, declaring a city-wide fast and commanding that everyone turn from their evil ways and from violence.
God sees their genuine repentance and spares Nineveh from destruction. He relents from the disaster He had planned, showing His mercy and compassion towards the repentant city. This chapter highlights the themes of God's willingness to forgive those who turn to Him in repentance and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
Monday
Micah 1
DISCOVER
God takes our sins pretty seriously. In the first several verses of chapter 1, what judgment does Micah announce against Samaria and Jerusalem (verses 5-9)?
Look back at 1:15-16. How do these verses demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His covenant promise despite the people’s disobedience?
What lessons can we draw from this chapter regarding the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance?
RESPOND
The prophet Micah delivers a message of judgment against Samaria and Jerusalem, the capitals of Israel and Judah respectively, for their sins and idolatry. The chapter begins with Micah declaring that he is speaking God's word against both cities.
He describes how God is coming to judge them, with the mountains melting under Him and the valleys splitting apart. This imagery emphasizes the magnitude and severity of the judgment that is to come.
Micah specifically mentions the sins of Samaria, including idol worship and oppression of the poor, and predicts its destruction. He also warns Jerusalem of its impending doom, foretelling its transformation into a heap of ruins and its gates being set on fire.
The chapter concludes with Micah expressing his grief over the impending destruction of his people and their cities. Despite the severity of the judgment, Micah's message also holds a note of hope, as it serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant.
Tuesday
Micah 2
DISCOVER
How does Micah show leaders exploiting their power and manipulating people for their own personal agenda?
What are some practical ways we can guard against the temptation to exploit power or oppress others in our communities?
List out some lessons we can draw from this chapter about the importance of social justice and integrity in leadership? What are some lessons for all humanity?
RESPOND
Micah continues his condemnation of the sinful practices of Israel's leaders and people. He denounces those who devise wicked schemes and plot evil deeds, warning them of the judgment that awaits them.
Micah highlights the greed and oppression rampant in society, where powerful individuals seize land and homes from those who cannot defend themselves. He rebukes those who covet and seize fields and houses, declaring that God will strip them of their ill-gotten gains.
The prophet also addresses false prophets who lead people astray with promises of peace and prosperity, contrasting their deceptive messages with his own proclamation of God's judgment against the nation's sins.
Despite the bleak picture painted by Micah, there is a glimmer of hope in verses 12-13, where he promises restoration for the remnant of Israel. God will gather His people and lead them like a flock, restoring their fortunes and granting them peace and security in their land.
Overall, Micah 2 serves as a warning against injustice, oppression, and false prophecy, while also offering the hope of restoration for those who turn back to God.
Wednesday
Micah 3
DISCOVER
What contrast does Micah draw between the false prophets and himself as a true messenger of God?
What hope, if any, does Micah offer for the future beyond the judgment (verses 9-12)?
This chapter highlights the need for accountability, integrity, and true leadership. After reading this chapter, what are some lessons can we draw about the importance of these needs in modern society?
RESPOND
Here, Micah addresses the leaders and rulers of Israel, condemning them for their corruption and injustice. He begins by denouncing the leaders of Israel, accusing them of exploiting their power for personal gain. Micah criticizes them for perverting justice, accepting bribes, and manipulating the law to serve their own interests.
The prophet also condemns the false prophets who mislead the people with their deceptive messages, claiming to speak on behalf of God while actually serving their own agendas. Micah warns that their words will lead to destruction and judgment.
Despite the wickedness of the leaders and false prophets, Micah asserts that God's judgment will come upon them. He foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, which will be a consequence of the people's disobedience and sin. However, he also offers hope for the future, promising that God will ultimately gather a remnant of His people and restore them.
In summary, Micah 3 highlights the corruption and injustice among the leaders and prophets of Israel, warns of impending judgment, and holds out hope for restoration through God's mercy.
Thursday
Micah 4
DISCOVER
In the beginning of this chapter we see Micah’s vision. What are the key elements of his vision, and how do they contrast with the state of affairs today?
Beginning in verse 6 Micah offers a message of restoration and redemption. What does this message look like?
What lessons can we learn from Micah about the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance?
RESPOND
This particular chapter is filled with hope and promise for the future. The prophet envisions a time when God will establish His kingdom on Mount Zion, and nations will stream to it seeking His guidance and instruction. Micah speaks of a time of peace when swords will be turned into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks, symbolizing the end of war and the beginning of agricultural prosperity.
In this future vision, Micah sees God gathering the dispersed Israelites and restoring them to their land. He describes a time when God will reign over them as their king, bringing justice and righteousness to the world. This reign will be marked by security and prosperity, with each person dwelling safely under their own vine and fig tree, enjoying the fruits of their labor without fear of oppression or conflict.
Micah also prophesies the coming of a messianic figure, described as a ruler who will come from Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David. This ruler will shepherd the people of Israel in the strength of the Lord, leading them to victory over their enemies and establishing peace throughout the land.
Overall, Micah 4 paints a picture of a future age of peace, justice, and prosperity under the reign of God, offering hope to the people of Israel and all nations.
Friday
Micah 5
DISCOVER
From the outset of chapter 5 Micah gives a great prophecy concerning the Messiah. How does Micah describe the significance and role of this Ruler in God’s plan?
Micah predicts victories for this future Ruler and for the people of Israel (verses 5-9). How do these victories demonstrate God’s faithfulness?
What lessons can be drawn from Micah’s words about the consequences of opposing God’s chosen leader(s)?
RESPOND
This chapter may be the most exciting chapter. In this chapter we read the prophecies about the birth of the Messiah and foretells His reign. The chapter begins with a prediction of the small and humble origins of the future ruler of Israel, who will come from Bethlehem, the city of David. Despite Bethlehem's insignificance, this ruler's origins trace back to ancient times, indicating His eternal nature and divine origins.
Micah describes this future ruler as one who will shepherd God's people, bringing security and peace to the land. He will stand firm and majestic, representing the authority and power of God Himself. The Messiah's reign will extend beyond the borders of Israel, bringing blessings and prosperity to all nations.
The chapter also speaks of the Messiah's role in defeating Israel's enemies, symbolized by the Assyrians. Micah predicts that the Messiah will lead His people to victory, ensuring their safety and security against all threats.
Overall, Micah 5 emphasizes the coming of the Messiah, born in Bethlehem, who will establish God's kingdom, bring peace to the world, and triumph over all adversaries. It offers hope and assurance to the people of Israel and foreshadows the fulfillment of God's promises through the Messiah's coming.
Saturday
Micah 6 + 7
DISCOVER
How do the themes of justice, mercy, and humility, as mentioned in chapter 6, resonate with contemporary issues?
In what ways can we apply Micah’s message of repentance and hope in our lives today?
Despite the bleakness described in the first several verses of Micah 7, what expression of hope does Micah offer in verse 7?
RESPOND
Micah 6 begins with a dramatic courtroom scene, where God summons Israel to present their case against Him if they believe He has been unjust. The prophet reminds the people of God's faithfulness and recounts how He delivered them from Egypt and led them through the wilderness. Despite God's goodness, the people have turned away from Him, engaging in idolatry and injustice.
Micah then outlines what God requires of His people: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. He condemns their dishonesty, oppression of the poor, and exploitation of the vulnerable. The prophet warns of the consequences of their actions, including exile and destruction, if they do not repent and return to God.
In Micah 7, the prophet laments the widespread corruption and faithlessness he sees in Israel. He compares the situation to a field of ripe fruit, where there is no one left who is upright. Despite this bleak assessment, Micah expresses his trust in God's salvation and promises to wait patiently for Him to act.
Micah concludes with a prayer of confidence in God's faithfulness and a declaration of hope in His restoration of Israel. He acknowledges the sins of the people but trusts in God's mercy and forgiveness. The chapter ends with a message of assurance that God will fulfill His promises and bring salvation to His people.
In summary, Micah 6 and 7 confront Israel with their wrongdoing, call them to repentance, and express hope in God's faithfulness to save and restore them despite their failings.