Read Micah 4:1–5
Questions from the Scripture text: When will the following come to pass (v1a)? How is YHWH’s house described in v1b? Where/how will it be established (v1c–d)? What will happen then (v1e)? Who will come, doing what (v2a)? What will they say (v2b)? To where, specifically, will they come (v2c)? For Him to do what (v2d)? So that they can do what (v2e)? What will go out of Zion/Jerusalem at that time (v2f–g)? What will He do for whom (v3a)? And what will He do to whom else (v3b)? With what results among the nations (v3c–f)? Who will be able to do what (v4a)? What will not be done to them (v4b)? How sure is this (v4c)? What are people currently doing (v5a)? But what will YHWH’s true people do (v5b)? For how long (v5c)?
What does the future hold for devastated Zion? Micah 4:1–5 looks forward to the morning sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the future of God’s church is guaranteed by God’s grace.
This little passage assures us of many wonderful impossibilities. Because of the Israelites themselves, Zion/Jerusalem was soon to be plowed to the ground (cf. 3:12). But at the end of the days, because of YHWH, Zion/Jerusalem would be made to stand—and not just stand, but above all other mountains/powers. This is the wonderful logic of God’s grace; precisely in the face of what is happening with this generation, He affirms the glorious good that He will surely bring to pass at last and forever.
The peoples in v1 are described as a stream. But there is something impossible about this stream. It flows uphill! Both with respect to individual grace, and with respect to the missionary spread of the kingdom, this is a wonderful picture of God’s accomplishing the impossible. Water doesn’t flow uphill. Gentiles don’t stream into Zion. Sinners don’t come to God for Himself and His Word. But what is impossible with men is possible with God!
These people from many nations will exhibit resolve (“Come, and let us go up,” v2b), relish (a hunger/ desire for His Word, v2d), and repentance (living according to that Word, v2e). How will this happen? How will it come to be that they come to Zion for the Word? The Word itself accomplishes this work by first going out from Zion. “For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the Word of YHWH from Jerusalem,” (v2f–g).
Ultimately whatever peoples are not participating in this revival will be eliminated. For the earth at the end of the days will be such a safe place that there will be no need for weapons or even military training (v3). This isn’t just a general blessedness, but each and every individual will enjoy his part in the blessedness (4a).
In an age of wickedness and certain, dreadful, imminent judgment, how can they dare to hope that this will be the case? Indeed, not only can they dare to hope, but they must be completely assured, for the mouth of YHWH of hosts as spoken this (v4c)!
Now, what are you to do, in light of this glorious end, if you are living in an age of wickedness and judgment? Opt out of living in the manner of your age! Micah observes the nearly universal, wayward idolatry of the people of his day (v5a). Then, in v5b, he speaks not only for himself but others: “but we.” The implication is that the word of YHWH is going to be used to produce others like him, others who will walk in the name of YHWH their God. And those who do so now, by grace, will do so forever (v5c)!
Behold the wonderful, impossible grace of God that recovers sinners and gathers a glorious church from all the nations, and brings them into a secure, godly blessedness forever!
Why don’t you have to despair in an age of unfaithfulness of the church? What should you do in such an age?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us, for if what came of the church depended upon us, surely it would be utterly destroyed. But, You gorify Your almighty grace by granting repentance to a remnant. Make us to be that remnant who love to come to You, be taught by You, and walk in Your paths. Give us peace and faithfulness, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the LORD” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”
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