MICAH: The Writing Prophet

Micah was an INTENSE prophet. Every single one of his prophesies were filled with extreme force, depth. There was no time to breathe before the next blow, flow. Thank God for Jesus! Like many prophets of his time, he made the wrath of God plain... forceful!

I chose him as a focus for our lesson because his topics dealt with injustice as well as God's judgement on Jerusalem and Judah. We get to see Micah's passion for his calling in these areas, his fiery voice and his profound loyalty to the Lord. Upon opening the first chapter of the book, we see that he has taken the time to introduce us to his audience or the people to whom he was assigned.

Our focus, here however, is not so much on the content of his writing in this discussion.... but our opportunity to see the broad and vast scope of his prophetic writing realm as a prophet. What we observe should help us come to grips with callings that move us into topics that not only impact the Kingdom, but issues of impact to humanity that are directly related to producing the Lord's will. We are also able to see how Micah's message - like all the writing prophets you have studied and will study in the future - IS NOT RANDOM.... but very specific to their calling and audience.

So as you grow, continue to look for intersecting themes that carry the weight of the office beyond exhortation, comfort and encouragement. While prophets can prophesy from this realm in the New Covenant, their primary role is to instruct, direct, warn, correct, adjust, establish protocols, and even refresh the congregation "in the love of God." The items in place are critical to the office when it is in a mature place. (We will talk about that more in the next lesson.)

Theologian J. Calvin IV states, "Stemming from the poorer class, Micah was acutely aware of the injustices and avarice of the rich. While he was interested in the political affairs of his nation, it was only as they were connected with the religious and moral situation that Micah spoke to them. His message can be epitomized in his own words: “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin” (Micah 3:8).

Let's take a literary look at Micah's writing. Read Micah 1 and observe its literary form. Scroll through the chapters until the end. I want you to see, with your own eyes, that the ENTIRE BOOK (like many of the works of the writing prophets) is written in poetic form. (To truly appreciate the Hebrew language, listen to Micah or other books by the writing prophets in HEBREW audio here. I enjoy doing this with other books too like the Psalms.)

Micah, however, writes like a Nabi prophet speaks. He simply "starts" speaking. What we can learn from Micah is that his book opens with his name and an introduction of the word of the Lord. Again, he identifies his audience (Samaria and Jerusalem), gives the name he is known by, and provides a few historical facts. We can assume, like the scholars who translated the texts and studied the books, that sections of the book are spread over time, corresponding with various events affecting the people to whom he was called.

Some writing prophets, release like Micah during their ministries. The Lord speaks to them within their assigned area over the duration of their calling. In most printed bibles, we are able to see that sections of the prophecy are sectioned off by headings.... clearly identifying the different but RELATED messages the prophet released.

As you continue to study, I strongly suggest paying close attention to how the message of the prophets were embraced by them, and developed over time --- painting a clear (not random picture) of the Lord's intention and will.

Consider the value of developing a historical record OF PROPHETIC WRITINGS for the people to whom you are assigned? Is this a lost art today? How many writing prophets do you know who are "gathering the volumes" the Lord speaks to them? Please understand that this is a function of the writing prophet! You see, ALL WRITING PROPHETS carried the weight of record keeping and preservation.

Review your notes on the writing prophets you have learned about so far in this course. Identify what you have learned concerning HOW they stewarded the "writing dimension" of their gifting. Then discuss, in the CITY OF LETTERS, how this has impacted your life and ministry. We can learn a lot from the ancients concerning WHO we are and what our roles are as writing prophets in the earth today.