The Prophet Micah (prophecy 731-686 B.C.) proclaims the false prophets are the voice of the rich and the powerful (originally posted November 1, 2013)

The Prophet Micah (prophecy 731 – 686 B.C.) proclaims the false prophets are the voice of the rich and the powerful. They try to silence Micah, and substitute falsehoods for the truth since their interest is in maintaining status quo and keeping economic advantage. The rich do not want to hear of “ugly things” since for them status quo is beautiful. In their opinion, the prophet should not speak of such areas as politics or the economy, but should be only speaking of lofty things of God. He should only speak of the good things of earth, such as wine. 

Micah confronts the self-righteous powerful people who have the blessing of the religious establishment; as they have no consciousness of doing wrong. They have effectively tamed God at the service of their corruption. They believe that the goodness and patience of God are limitless.

Micah is speaking 2,700 years ago. Wow! I would have believed that he is addressing 21st Century Christians.

For Micah, as for Paul, the patience and the goodness of God is an invitation to repentance (Rom. 2:1-11). A true prophet is filled with power, the spirit of the Lord, justice, and might (Micah 3:8). The prophet is a lone warrior, sometimes feeling isolated, although he is close to the people because he has at heart the interests of the real people, the poor.

Micah delivered strong allegations against both Samaria and the city of Jerusalem.  He witnessed idolatry, deceit, internal strife and gluttony.  It was during that time that Israel and Judah were in decline.  The stubbornness of these nations and particularly their leaders led to much sorrow and in the end, national incarceration.

I feel that the book of Micah is a good read as it especially relates to the greed and negligence we are seeing not only in our courts, but in our churches and our government.  Micah warned of God’s harsh condemnation of the false prophets and the wealthy but that there would be hope for Israel if they would repent of their evil ways. Rev. Billy Graham is right as there is HOPE for America but America is going to have to do it’s part to make it happen.  People have a lot of changing and repenting to do if we’re going to gain back the favor of God.

Outline of the book of Micah

Chapter 1:  Judgment announced against Israel

Chapters 2-3: Micah announces God’s condemnation of the false prophets and the rich and powerful for their evil ways

Chapter 4-5:  Millennial reign of Christ; judgment upon the enemies of Israel

Chapter 6: God’s controversy with Israel; impending sorrow and punishment for their sins

Chapter 7: God’s forgiveness upon Israel’s confession of their sins

Ron’s book – The 7th Day Humbling of Mankind – The Beginning of the End of the Age, False Prophets, pp 166-167, Amazon – May 2012.