2025.10.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Micah 7:1–7

Read Micah 7:1–7

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the prophet exclaim in v1a? How does he describe his feelings of futility (v1b–e)? How many faithful men are in the land (v2a–b)? What do they do instead (v2c–d)? Why are they so murderous (v3a)? Who helps them (v3b–e)? How pervasive is this (v4a–b)? What is imminent (v4c–d)? What does v5a–b warn against? What, specifically, are they to do in this lack of trust (v5c)? Even from whom (v5d)? What other relationships cannot b counted upon (v6)? So what will the prophet do instead (v7a–b)? Why (v7b–c)? 

What is it like for the faithful during wicked times? Micah 7:1–7 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, during wicked times, the faithful despair of men but trust in the Lord.

In wicked times, being faithful can be painful. That was the case for Micah (v1a). 

In such times, the righteous may feel very much alone in their extreme minority (v1b–2b). The painfulness of the injustice and oppression are amplified by their coming from those in high position (v2c–3d), who all cooperate against the godly (v3e). 

Worse, still, is the punishment from God that looms over a society in such condition (v4c–d). 

And allegiance to the Lord often brings not peace, but a sword, dividing those who are closest from one another (v5–6, cf. Mt 10:34–39). 

When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do (cf. Ps 11:3)? Look to the Lord (cf. Ps 11:4) in faith (v7a), endurance (v7b), and hope (v7c)! He is the Friend Who sticks closer than a brother (Pr 18:24)!

Which of the characteristics of evil times have you experienced? Which have been the most painful for you? How are you employing the remedy in v7?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we are indifferent to the wickedness in the land. Meet us in our discouragement and loneliness, and turn our hearts to Yourself in faith, endurance, and hope, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested Songs: ARP11 “My Trust Is in he LORD” or TPH1A “That Man Is Blest”