This book of Micah's prophecies was written, along with Isaiah and Amos, during the eighth century B.C., a period of political power and economic prosperity for both the northern and southern kingdoms. But it was also a time of excessive sin, moral decay, and spiritual decadence. It should be a time in history we can relate to very well.
It seems that just about everyone in Israel was looking out for number one, concerned for their own prosperity at the expense of anyone they could control. We call it "social and economic injustice."
Micah gives us God's response: "Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance. Therefore, the Lord says: 'I am planning disaster against this people, for which you cannot save yourselves. You will know longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity." (Micah 2:1-3)
Are you in the habit of giving preference to others? Are you in the habit of using what power you have for the good of others or merely yourself? Do you plot ways to bring advantage to yourself because you have the power to do so? Read Micah with yourself in mind? Do you act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?
