Micah's Call: Justice, Mercy, and Humility

Devotional

Day 1: Listening to the Word of the Lord

God’s people are called to listen when He speaks, not just with their ears but with their hearts, responding in obedience to His message. The Lord’s word came to Micah, and it was not just for him but for all of Judah and Jerusalem—a reminder that God’s voice is active and relevant, and that ignoring it leads to spiritual decline. In every generation, God raises up voices to call His people back to Himself, and it is our responsibility to heed those calls, discerning truth from the noise of the world. When we truly listen, we are shaped by God’s perspective, not our own, and we are equipped to live rightly in a world that often goes astray. [05:15]

Micah 1:1 (ESV)
The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

Reflection: When was the last time you sensed God speaking to you through His Word or through a faithful messenger? How did you respond, and what might it look like to listen more intentionally this week?

Day 2: The Dangers of Division and Failed Leadership

Division among God’s people and corrupt leadership lead to spiritual and societal downfall, as seen in the split between Israel’s northern and southern kingdoms. The separation created two nations with their own kings, capitals, and systems, but both fell into patterns of injustice and idolatry. Failed leadership—whether political, religious, or economic—opened the door to oppression, false teaching, and ultimately, God’s judgment. The story of Israel and Judah is a warning that unity under God’s authority and righteous leadership is essential for the health of God’s people, and that division weakens the witness and strength of the community. [07:40]

1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Reflection: Is there a relationship or area in your church or community where division or distrust has crept in? What is one step you can take today to promote unity and godly leadership?

Day 3: God’s Standard of Justice and Mercy

God holds His people to a higher standard, expecting them to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him, rather than following the corrupt patterns of the world. The people of Judah and Israel failed to uphold these values, allowing oppression, economic injustice, and religious hypocrisy to flourish. God’s call is not for outward religious acts alone, but for a heart that reflects His character—one that seeks fairness, extends compassion, and lives in humble dependence on Him. This standard is not about perfection, but about a sincere pursuit of God’s ways in every area of life. [09:53]

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Reflection: In what specific situation today can you choose to act justly, show mercy, or walk humbly—especially where it might be difficult or countercultural?

Day 4: The Consequences of Ignoring God’s Warnings

Ignoring God’s warnings leads to judgment and loss, as seen in the downfall of the northern kingdom and the impending threat to the south. God’s patience is great, but persistent disobedience and self-deception bring consequences—not just for individuals, but for entire communities. The people thought their status as God’s chosen would protect them, but God’s justice is impartial, and He expects His people to live according to His truth. This is a sobering reminder that God’s warnings are acts of mercy, giving us the opportunity to repent and return before it is too late. [08:28]

Hebrews 3:12-13 (ESV)
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve been ignoring God’s conviction or warning? What would it look like to turn back to Him today before consequences set in?

Day 5: Becoming Like Yahweh—Reflecting God’s Character

The name Micah means “Who is like Yahweh?” and God’s desire is that His people would reflect His character in the world. Rather than being shaped by culture or corrupted systems, believers are called to be distinct—living out God’s holiness, justice, and mercy in everyday life. This is not about being “holier than thou,” but about genuinely seeking to be like God in thought, word, and deed, so that others may see His love and righteousness through us. The challenge is to let our identity be rooted in God’s likeness, striving to be people who are known for being like Yahweh in all we do. [09:53]

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally reflect God’s character—His justice, mercy, or love—to someone in your life today?

Sermon Summary

Micah’s opening words call us to pay close attention to the voice of God, especially when He speaks through His prophets. The context of Micah’s ministry is a divided Israel: the northern kingdom (Israel, with Samaria as its capital) and the southern kingdom (Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital). Both kingdoms, though once united as God’s people, have become fractured not only politically but spiritually. The northern kingdom has already abandoned God, falling into idolatry and injustice, and the southern kingdom is following the same path. Micah’s message is a warning: the same judgment that befell the north is coming for the south unless there is repentance and a return to God’s ways.

The heart of the issue is not just political division, but deep corruption in every layer of society—political, economic, and religious. Leaders oppress the poor, landowners steal inheritances, and even the religious system is compromised, with false prophets and empty sacrifices. God’s people have come to believe that their status as His chosen ones will shield them from consequences, but Micah makes it clear that God holds His people to a higher standard. The expectation is not perfection, but a life marked by justice, mercy, and humility before God.

Micah’s rural background gives him a unique perspective; he is not an elite insider, but someone who sees firsthand the suffering caused by injustice. His message is not just for his own time, but for every generation of God’s people: we are called to live differently, to reflect God’s character in our dealings with others, and to heed the true word of the Lord rather than seeking out voices that simply tell us what we want to hear.

Ultimately, the story of the divided kingdoms is a cautionary tale for the church today. Unity, faithfulness, and a commitment to God’s standards are essential. God’s judgment begins with His own people, not the world outside. The call is to be like Micah—whose name means “Who is like Yahweh?”—and to strive to be like God in our justice, mercy, and humility.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Word Demands Our Attention and Response When God speaks, especially through His prophets and His Word, it is not a suggestion but a call to listen and act. Ignoring God’s voice leads to spiritual drift and eventual judgment. The example of Micah reminds us that God’s messages are timely and specific, often addressing the very issues we are tempted to overlook. [05:15]
2. Division Among God’s People Weakens Their Witness The split between the northern and southern kingdoms was not just a political event but a spiritual tragedy. When God’s people are divided, their ability to reflect His character and fulfill His purposes is compromised. Unity is not about uniformity, but about a shared commitment to God’s ways and a willingness to reconcile differences for the sake of His mission. [07:40]
3. Corruption and Injustice Among God’s People Grieve God Deeply God is not indifferent to the suffering caused by injustice, especially when it is perpetrated by those who claim His name. Economic oppression, abuse of power, and religious hypocrisy are not just social issues—they are spiritual failures that invite God’s judgment. We are called to examine our own lives and communities for these same patterns and to repent where necessary. [09:53]
4. Religious Rituals Without Righteous Living Are Empty Sacrifices, worship, and religious activity mean nothing to God if they are not accompanied by lives marked by justice, mercy, and humility. God desires transformation, not mere tradition. The temptation to rely on religious identity or activity as a shield from accountability is as real today as it was in Micah’s time. [12:46]
5. God Holds His People to a Higher Standard Judgment begins with the household of God. While we may be quick to point out the sins of the world, God’s primary concern is with the faithfulness of His own people. Our calling is not to be perfect, but to be distinct—to live in such a way that others see the character of God in us, especially in how we treat the vulnerable and respond to His truth.

** [16:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:59] - Introduction and Greetings
[05:15] - The Word of the Lord to Micah
[07:40] - The Divided Kingdoms: North and South
[08:28] - Historical Context: Assyria and the Fall of Israel
[09:53] - Corruption and Injustice in Judah
[12:46] - False Prophets and Empty Sacrifices
[14:30] - The Call to Righteousness
[15:45] - God’s Judgment on Failed Leadership
[16:10] - God’s Standard for His People
[17:30] - Lessons for Today’s Church
[18:45] - The Importance of True Prophetic Voices
[20:00] - Living Like Yahweh: Justice, Mercy, Humility
[21:30] - Closing Blessing and Encouragement

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Micah 1:1-9 (ESV) — 1 The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.
2 Hear, you peoples, all of you; pay attention, O earth, and all that is in it, and let the Lord God be a witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.
3 For behold, the Lord is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth.
4 And the mountains will melt under him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.
5 All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what is the high place of Judah? Is it not Jerusalem?
6 Therefore I will make Samaria a heap in the open country, a place for planting vineyards, and I will pour down her stones into the valley and uncover her foundations.
7 All her carved images shall be beaten to pieces, all her wages shall be burned with fire, and all her idols I will lay waste, for from the fee of a prostitute she gathered them, and to the fee of a prostitute they shall return.
8 For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked; I will make lamentation like the jackals, and mourning like the ostriches.
9 For her wound is incurable, and it has come to Judah; it has reached to the gate of my people, to Jerusalem.

Micah 6:6-8 (ESV) — 6 “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Observation Questions

According to Micah 1:1, who was Micah sent to, and during whose reigns did he prophesy?
What specific sins and injustices does Micah mention as reasons for God’s coming judgment on Samaria and Jerusalem?
In Micah 6:6-8, what does God say He truly desires from His people instead of religious rituals?
According to the sermon, what were some of the ways the leaders and people of Israel and Judah were failing to live up to God’s standards? [[09:53]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does God begin His message through Micah by calling everyone to “pay attention” and listen? What does this say about the seriousness of God’s word? [[05:15]]
The sermon describes the division between the northern and southern kingdoms as both a political and spiritual tragedy. How does division among God’s people affect their witness and mission? [[07:40]]
Why is God so grieved by injustice and corruption among His own people, rather than just focusing on the sins of the surrounding nations? [[09:53]]
What is the danger of relying on religious rituals or identity without living a life marked by justice, mercy, and humility? [[12:46]]

Application Questions

The sermon warns that ignoring God’s voice leads to spiritual drift and judgment. What are some ways you might be tempted to ignore or downplay God’s word in your own life? How can you become more attentive to God’s voice this week? [[05:15]]
Division among God’s people weakens their witness. Are there any relationships or situations in your life where you need to pursue unity or reconciliation for the sake of God’s mission? What would it look like to take a first step? [[07:40]]
Micah calls out leaders and landowners for oppressing the poor and taking away inheritances. In what ways might you (or our church) be blind to injustice or complicit in systems that harm others? What is one practical way you can stand up for justice this month? [[09:53]]
The people believed their status as God’s chosen would protect them, even as they lived unjustly. Are there areas where you rely on your religious background or church involvement as a “shield” instead of actually living out your faith? [[12:46]]
God’s standard is not perfection, but a life marked by justice, mercy, and humility. Which of these three do you find most challenging to practice? Why? What is one step you can take to grow in that area this week? [[16:10]]
Micah’s rural background gave him a unique perspective on suffering and injustice. How might your own background or experiences help you notice needs or injustices that others overlook? How can you use your perspective to serve others? [[05:15]]
The sermon says God’s judgment begins with His own people. How does this challenge the way you think about accountability and spiritual growth in your own life and in our church? [[16:10]]

Sermon Clips

So, we're in Micah chapter 1. We're still in verse 1. We have looked at the word of the Lord that has come to Micah. So, we talked about how the importance of an understanding that when God speaks, we are to listen, and God is giving a message to Micah, to the people of Judah. [00:05:42]

And so, this is important. It's significant. The location. He's not a city slicker. He's rural. And then today, we get into the judgment that is coming upon the north and the south. [00:06:36]

But the two kingdoms become divided in history. And when we get to Micah's day, they're divided. Into a northern kingdom that has their own kings. And to the southern kingdom that has their own kings. It's kind of weird, right? You would think they would be one united kingdom, but there's a split in history. [00:07:32]

And when we get to Micah's day, they're divided. Into a northern kingdom that has their own kings. And to the southern kingdom that has their own kings. It's kind of weird, right? You would think they would be one united kingdom, but there's a split in history. And that brings us to this point, to where the tribes of God, the 12 tribes, are not united. [00:07:36]

So, he's dealing with Judah. And he's dealing with Jerusalem. So, at the time period we're dealing with, we're dealing in the 700s BC. Basically, probably 7, what, I'm going to say 750 -ish on up to 700 BC. Maybe even to the late 600s. But Assyria will take over. I think, what is it, 722? Anyway, whenever Assyria captures the northern kingdom, they fall. And Judah is going to be impacted by this. And they almost fall, too. But they survive. They live to another day. And several hundred years later, a couple years later, a hundred years later, they fall to Babylon. [00:08:19]

But, here we are, and he's going to be preaching to the southern kingdom, but talking about the northern kingdom. But also talking that the same fate of them is the fate of us if we don't change. [00:09:09]

And so, he says that the word of the Lord came to Micah, the Morsite, what he saw regarding Samaria and Jerusalem. And then it says, in the days of the three kings that he served underneath, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, which we'll talk about those three kings tomorrow. [00:09:23]

Corruption was in the political system of the day. They were oppressing the poor. We'll learn in upcoming sermons. Was it military people and political leaders, religious leaders that were oppressing the poor? Could it be rich landowners? Could it be a fireman right now? Could it be for me? that are from afar they're not actually out in the countryside taking advantage of people we're not exactly sure who these people will be but there's oppression of the poor the political systems allowing it the religious systems allowing it there's economic injustice and it should not be tolerated but it is. [00:09:47]

Corruption was in the political system of the day. They were oppressing the poor. We'll learn in upcoming sermons. Was it military people and political leaders, religious leaders that were oppressing the poor? Could it be rich landowners? Could it be to be brosant rivers of the whole defense? that are from afar they're not actually out in the countryside taking advantage of people we're not exactly sure who these people will be but there's oppression of the poor the political systems allowing it the religious systems allowing it there's economic injustice and it should not be tolerated but it is. [00:09:47]

It's not like they're not trying to create a Marxist society or anything like that so don't don't get this right and an equal and not equity but equality an equal system to where people have the right to own land people have the right to farm their land people have the right to be a part of whatever tribe they're a part of and to be treated fairly and to be treated as part of God's people obviously there's going to be wealthy people and not wealthy people those systems are going to be people that are religious or political leaders those type of things landlord or owners those things happen but every person had an inheritance to the land and so they're taking advantage and actually taking those homes and inheritances away. [00:10:28]

And it's not like they're not trying to create a Marxist society or anything like that so don't don't get this right and an equal and not equity but equality an equal system to where people have the right to own land people have the right to farm their land people have the right to be a part of whatever tribe they're a part of and to be treated fairly and to be treated as part of God's people obviously there's going to be wealthy people and not wealthy people those systems are going to be people that are religious or political leaders those type of things landlord or owners those things happen but every person had an inheritance to the land and so they're taking advantage and actually taking those homes and inheritances away we're gonna see that in chapter 2. [00:10:28]

So these false not only does that system create this corruption in the northern kingdom it's also happened in the southern kingdom it might be too late for the northern kingdom but Micah's trying to warn the southern kingdom you're doing the same thing that God's judging them on you're doing it too and so there's false teachers they hurt God's people the way they do the sacrifices the things that they're teaching teaching that it's okay how they're living and it's not okay how they're living you're gonna find out it's like someone that's on beer and wine that's drunk what are you talking about we're gonna find that in chapter 2 and so here we are the prophecies are wrong the sacrifices are wrong so your political structural economic system's wrong you're not following God there and now your religious system's wrong you're not following God there either and south you're gonna fall just like the north. [00:11:12]

This corruption in the northern kingdom it's also happened in the southern kingdom it might be too late for the northern kingdom but Micah's trying to warn the southern kingdom you're doing the same thing that God's judging them on you're doing it too. [00:11:16]

Micah's calling them to live right with God it's really a book of righteousness will you live right with God or not he's a holy God and he's a just God and you're defying God you're not walking with God you're not living right with God you're not loving like God does you're not extending mercy like God does and you're not bringing justice this will be the theme later on in the book of Micah here's what I expect of you old man and woman of God that you will do justice love mercy and walk humbly with your God and they're not willing to do these things and so Micah saying judgment is coming up on our door upon the city gates of even Jerusalem something that they would think was unheard of as they watched the northern kingdom be invaded. [00:12:07]

So Micah's calling them to live right with God it's really a book of righteousness will you live right with God or not he's a holy God and he's a just God and you're defying God you're not walking with God you're not living right with God you're not loving like God does you're not extending mercy like God does and you're not bringing justice this will be the theme later on in the book of Micah here's what I expect of you old man and woman of God that you will do justice love mercy and walk humbly with your God and they're not willing to do these things and so Micah saying judgment is coming up on our door upon the city gates of even Jerusalem something that they would think was unheard of as they watched the northern kingdom be invaded. [00:12:07]

Assyria will bring God's judgment upon failed leadership he will judge the kings of the north and he will bring great pressure and anxiety and pain even upon the southern kingdom upon the kings he will show the corruption and failed leadership of religious leaders he will show the prophecies that are false prophecies and you're uttering things saying everything's okay and it's not okay this will be revealed for what it truly is. [00:12:56]

He is going to take on and confront in the northern and southern kingdom the practices of sacrifice is supposed to bring change and repentance and forgiveness and you're not doing it he will get into a place where there's corrupt practices and even violence and God will have no part of it so basically God gets you yousick of what he sees amongst his people he's not judging the pagan worlds right now see I think sometimes we as believers we think oh God will deal with the evil in the world and the wicked in the world sometimes he does but should he not hold us to a higher standard if we know better and I think that's the point of Micah you think you're okay and you can get away with this because you belong to God and he's like not so fast God is going to bring ruin to the north and it's coming to the south. [00:13:30]

And so it's important that we understand these two kingdoms the northern and southern kingdom understanding the invasion of Assyria is coming in the north you will see some things play out which is a neck crab or whatever his name is the king that comes from Assyria there'll be some negotiation I believe it is you have Jotham who's pretty good gut king and he brings back some political structure and military might and does a lot of good things but then Ahaz is bad he makes a deal trying to spare his own neck keep his own kingdom saying hey we won't get involved if you do what you want with the northern part we don't care we're not gonna get involved we're not gonna come to a rescue you don't have to worry about us which actually gave the neck crib the ability to do his thing right and to bring Assyria to invade the north and the south they can come to the rescue and then eventually when we get to Hezekiah we're finding out that guess what Assyria is not gonna keep their word with us they're gonna attack us too and if it went for the miraculous hand of God actually through angelic powers and war defeating the enemy south would have fallen too. [00:14:34]

So the pressure comes all the way in around the rural areas where Micah would have said this is where we've been they're gonna pun it they're gonna they're gonna suffer even to the city gates of Jerusalem so that's my my take on what's happening here how I understand it reading it I hope it helps you understand a little bit more as you read it as you start to read through now Micah chapter 1 and see these cities that are mentioned and start to see the corruption that's unfolding you're gonna see what I'm talking about the leadership of that day the kings of that day the religious leaders of the day the sacrifices of that day the oppressive techniques of economic oppression and not giving the inheritance of the land like they should have and all these things that will take place the north is already gone God's done with them and now the south is about to be done but God will spare them in the last minute and give them another day but they will fail again too. [00:15:42]

God holds his people to a standard know that as we look at this conflict between the north and the south and we see how they're divided and we see how they didn't do God's will it's a reminder to us Christians we should be of one accord Christians we should be about God's way Christians we should be in the word of the Lord and listening to the word of the Lord implying the word of the Lord Christians we should respect those that are good prophets preachers those that preach God's truth to us and we should understand it just like Micah came with a voice we need to heed that truth when it's preached to us and not ignore it and let's look for people that are going to teach us itchier teachings which is what would happen within the kingdom of the south they will start to tell the king and others what they want to hear ohokay what's happening no it's not oh no we will never fall oh yes you will those type of things and then you will see just this sense of justice that god wants to bring and righteousness that god wants to bring and then he's going to hold us to that standard because he's a holy god he requires us to live right with him. [00:16:37]

Let's look for people that are going to teach us itchier teachings which is what would happen within the kingdom of the south they will start to tell the king and others what they want to hear ohokay what's happening no it's not oh no we will never fall oh yes you will those type of things and then you will see just this sense of justice that god wants to bring and righteousness that god wants to bring and then he's going to hold us to that standard because he's a holy god he requires us to live right with him. [00:17:15]

As we seek this today it's not perfection it's not being holier than now it's not being better than those around us it's simply about following god and so may we be like the name of micah who is like yahweh may it be about you and me that we are like yahweh. [00:17:43]

And so as we seek this today it's not perfection it's not being holier than now it's not being better than those around us it's simply about following god and so may we be like the name of micah who is like yahweh may it be about you and me that we are like yahweh. [00:17:43]

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