Micah 5-7; Matthew 25
Micah 5-7
While speaking about the certainty of God's judgment on Israel, the prophet Micah repeatedly points to the hope in the coming of the Messiah. One of the most direct prophecies about Christ appears here: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2). Micah also prophesies about the kingdom of peace and justice that the Messiah will establish: "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4).
Other significant truths from these chapters include:
- **Heartfelt worship is more important than outward religiosity**: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8).
- **It is crucial to look to the Lord and trust Him in all circumstances**: "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." (Micah 7:7).
- **Mercy is one of God's essential qualities**: "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." (Micah 7:18).
Matthew 25
Jesus continues His discourse on the Mount of Olives. Through several parables, He emphasizes the importance of being watchful and ready for His second coming.
- The parable of the ten virgins teaches the necessity of watchfulness and preparedness in awaiting the return of Christ: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13). While it's not necessary to over-interpret every detail of the parable (e.g., the oil, the lamps, etc.), the main lesson is always to be ready for Christ's return.
- The parable of the talents explains what it means to be watchful. To watch means faithfully using the gifts, skills, and opportunities that God has entrusted us for His purposes. The "good and faithful servant" is the one who serves the Lord diligently, even in small things.
- The concluding portion of the chapter speaks of the final judgment, where all will be held accountable. The saved will inherit the Kingdom of God, prepared for them "since the creation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). The unsaved will be condemned to "the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). The key difference between the two groups is that the saved lived for Christ. In contrast, the unsaved ignored His purposes and lived only for themselves. This is the defining impact of the Gospel on a person's life.
In these chapters, we see the urgent call to live with an eternal perspective, fully aware of our accountability before God.
While speaking about the certainty of God's judgment on Israel, the prophet Micah repeatedly points to the hope in the coming of the Messiah. One of the most direct prophecies about Christ appears here: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2). Micah also prophesies about the kingdom of peace and justice that the Messiah will establish: "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4).
Other significant truths from these chapters include:
- **Heartfelt worship is more important than outward religiosity**: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8).
- **It is crucial to look to the Lord and trust Him in all circumstances**: "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." (Micah 7:7).
- **Mercy is one of God's essential qualities**: "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy." (Micah 7:18).
Matthew 25
Jesus continues His discourse on the Mount of Olives. Through several parables, He emphasizes the importance of being watchful and ready for His second coming.
- The parable of the ten virgins teaches the necessity of watchfulness and preparedness in awaiting the return of Christ: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13). While it's not necessary to over-interpret every detail of the parable (e.g., the oil, the lamps, etc.), the main lesson is always to be ready for Christ's return.
- The parable of the talents explains what it means to be watchful. To watch means faithfully using the gifts, skills, and opportunities that God has entrusted us for His purposes. The "good and faithful servant" is the one who serves the Lord diligently, even in small things.
- The concluding portion of the chapter speaks of the final judgment, where all will be held accountable. The saved will inherit the Kingdom of God, prepared for them "since the creation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). The unsaved will be condemned to "the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). The key difference between the two groups is that the saved lived for Christ. In contrast, the unsaved ignored His purposes and lived only for themselves. This is the defining impact of the Gospel on a person's life.
In these chapters, we see the urgent call to live with an eternal perspective, fully aware of our accountability before God.
Posted in Reading Bible Together