S) "5 Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray;
When they have something to bite with their teeth,
They cry, 'Peace,'
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths
They declare holy war."
They cry, 'Peace,'
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths
They declare holy war."
Micah 3:5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Micah 3
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Micah 3
O) Micah was speaking against the prophets here, because they were letting the circumstances around them direct the "word of God" that they gave to the people. They were assessing headlines. When there was something to bite with their teeth (i.e., when there was prosperity and plenty), they declared that everything was fine and they should all be at peace. But, if there was a lack, a famine, or simply seeing something a neighboring country had that they wanted, then they would falsely prophesy that the LORD wanted them to go to war. This profaned the name of God, it defiled their position as prophets, and it was misleading the people that they were supposed to be instructing, protecting, and feeding.
A) Every husband is called to lead his wife, so I will always be a leader by definition, until death parts me from my wife. Then there are also my kids following my lead, at least while they are in my home. This is letting alone anyone else who might follow my lead, whether at work, in friendships, or other ministry. Sometimes, the weight of that leadership can seem heavy to me. Then, I remember that God's not asking me to do it alone. In fact, sometimes it's as easy as me refusing to do it on my own. Leading on my own will get me into trouble, just like the prophets that Micah was rebuking. I cannot allow my circumstances to change how I view God. I cannot let my circumstances convince me of anything He is saying. His word is sure, and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If there are times of hunger, then God is still gracious and He still loves me the same amount. If there are times of fullness, then God is still gracious and He still loves me the same amount. He loves me the same, regardless. He loves me all of the way, because that is the nature of His grace. He has standards of righteousness and holiness that do not change, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. He has grace and mercy when I (or we) fail, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. As a leader, it is my job to pursue Him fully. I seek Him, trust Him, and love Him. I lead by example. The goal is not for them to follow me, or fulfill my will, but for them to follow Jesus, fulfilling His will, as I follow Him.
P) Father, in Your grace You have given me great responsibilities, but by that same grace You have made me a more responsible man. When I got married, I didn't really understand the leadership role that it is. When I chose to start having kids, it was the same. Still, Your grace has brought me along. You have shaped me, changed me, matured me. I know that I still miss the mark, but I am committed to following You now, Lord. I pray that they follow me, following You. Help me to see my circumstances as just that, circumstantial. Help me to see You for the unchanging, loving, compassionate Father that You are, God. Help me to teach my family to know You, to find Your will, regardless of circumstances. Help me to lead them, to teach them to worship You in everything. In You there is life, and nowhere else. Help us to put all of our faith, hope, security, and trust in You. Help us to find peace, joy, love, and contentment in You alone. Help me to be faithful, leading by example. All of this according to Your will, for Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) Every husband is called to lead his wife, so I will always be a leader by definition, until death parts me from my wife. Then there are also my kids following my lead, at least while they are in my home. This is letting alone anyone else who might follow my lead, whether at work, in friendships, or other ministry. Sometimes, the weight of that leadership can seem heavy to me. Then, I remember that God's not asking me to do it alone. In fact, sometimes it's as easy as me refusing to do it on my own. Leading on my own will get me into trouble, just like the prophets that Micah was rebuking. I cannot allow my circumstances to change how I view God. I cannot let my circumstances convince me of anything He is saying. His word is sure, and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If there are times of hunger, then God is still gracious and He still loves me the same amount. If there are times of fullness, then God is still gracious and He still loves me the same amount. He loves me the same, regardless. He loves me all of the way, because that is the nature of His grace. He has standards of righteousness and holiness that do not change, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. He has grace and mercy when I (or we) fail, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. As a leader, it is my job to pursue Him fully. I seek Him, trust Him, and love Him. I lead by example. The goal is not for them to follow me, or fulfill my will, but for them to follow Jesus, fulfilling His will, as I follow Him.
P) Father, in Your grace You have given me great responsibilities, but by that same grace You have made me a more responsible man. When I got married, I didn't really understand the leadership role that it is. When I chose to start having kids, it was the same. Still, Your grace has brought me along. You have shaped me, changed me, matured me. I know that I still miss the mark, but I am committed to following You now, Lord. I pray that they follow me, following You. Help me to see my circumstances as just that, circumstantial. Help me to see You for the unchanging, loving, compassionate Father that You are, God. Help me to teach my family to know You, to find Your will, regardless of circumstances. Help me to lead them, to teach them to worship You in everything. In You there is life, and nowhere else. Help us to put all of our faith, hope, security, and trust in You. Help us to find peace, joy, love, and contentment in You alone. Help me to be faithful, leading by example. All of this according to Your will, for Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
very intresting.
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