October 1, 2025 • 33 mins
The morning sun rises over the hills of Moresheth as we join the shepherd-prophet Micah for his most powerful oracle yet. Walking together along ancient paths between terraced vineyards, we witness his righteous indignation against those who have betrayed their sacred trust.
Micah delivers a searing indictment against corrupt leadership that sends shockwaves through time. With unflinching clarity, he exposes the leaders of Israel who "hate good and love evil," who metaphorically skin people alive and break their bones. These shepherds who should protect instead prey upon the vulnerable, building their cities with bloodshed and dispensing justice only for bribes.
What makes this message so compelling is how it resonates across millennia. When those entrusted with authority abuse their power—when judges pervert justice, when religious leaders teach only for profit, when officials exploit rather than serve—they violate the very nature of leadership as God designed it. And the consequences are devastating: "Zion shall be plowed as a field, Jerusalem shall become a heap of ruins."
Yet even in this stark warning, we find profound wisdom for our own lives. Micah reminds us that leadership is stewardship, not ownership. Those given authority are accountable to God for how they use it. Corruption always begins with small compromises that accumulate over time. God's temporary silence should never be mistaken for approval. And even when human leaders fail, the divine Leader remains faithful.
Whether you lead a family, a team, a church, or simply influence your own circle of friends, Micah's ancient wisdom calls us to examine our hearts. Do we use our authority to serve or to be served? Do we protect the vulnerable or exploit them? Do we speak truth even when it costs us?
Subscribe to In the Field Audio Bible to continue this journey through Scripture, where we discover that God's Word speaks with remarkable relevance to our modern lives. Share this episode with someone struggling with leadership challenges or facing the consequences of corrupt authority in their life.
Music Credit: "Perfect" by AFTR
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(03:49):
Today, we witness Micah's mostsearing indictment as the
(05:12):
morning sun rises over the hillsof Morasheth.
The echoes of divine warningstill ring in our ears, but now
they crescendo into a thunderousdeclaration against those who
should have been shepherds butbecame wolves, who should have
been protectors but becamepredators.
(05:35):
We have walked through fieldsof injustice and climbed
mountains of oppression.
Now we stand at the cliff whereGod's righteous anger against
corrupt leadership burns like aconsuming fire.
Close your eyes and join usonce more in the hill country of
(05:59):
Judah, where this humbleshepherd will deliver the most
devastating expose of all, thatthose entrusted in leading God's
people have become theirdestroyers, that the very ones
called to dispense justice havebecome merchants of oppression.
(06:20):
Come, let us witness togetherhow the failure of earthly
shepherds points us toward theneed for the true shepherd, how
the corruption of humanleadership reveals our desperate
need for divine intervention.
The night has passed, myfaithful friend, and with the
(06:46):
first light of dawn, I findmyself unable to remain within
the walls of my humble dwelling.
The word of the Lord burnswithin me like a forged fire
that cannot be quenched, and Imust walk, must feel the earth
beneath my feet as I wrestlewith the visions that have
(07:07):
consumed my sleep.
Walk with me along this ancientshepherd's path that winds
between the terraced vineyardsand olive groves.
The morning air is crisp andclean, washed by the dew that
clings like scattered pearls tothe wild mitt growing along the
(07:28):
stone walls.
Can you smell that, friend?
The mingled fragrances of thymeand rosemary, of ripening figs
and late summer grapes, of thegood earth that the Lord has
blessed with his abundance.
Here, let us pause by thissmall spring where the water
(07:54):
bubbles up from the limestonerocks, clear and cold as it has
for countless generations.
My grandfather brought hisflocks here, and his grandfather
before him.
The taste is sweet upon thetongue, untainted by the
corruption that flows throughthe great cities like an open
(08:17):
sewer.
Do you hear that gentle music?
Those are the bells of myflock, still grazing in the high
pastures where the grass growsthick and green.
Old Boaz, my lead ram, knows tokeep them safe while I am away.
The sheep trust him as theytrust me, for they know our
(08:41):
voice, they follow where we leadthem to safety.
If only the shepherds of Israelwere as faithful to their
flocks, if only the leaders ofGod's people cared for their
charges as a true shepherd caresfor his sheep.
But the visions I have seen, ohthe terrible things the Lord
(09:03):
has shown me about those whoshould be protectors but have
become predators, who should behealers, but have become
destroyers.
Look there, across the valleywhere the morning sun paints the
hillsides gold and amber, doyou see that dust cloud rising
(09:25):
from the road that leads toJerusalem?
Those are the tax collectorsreturning from the villages,
their pouches heavy with silverextorted from widows and
orphans.
Behind them ride the judges,their fine robes purchased with
bribes, their hearts harder thanthe stones beneath our feet.
(09:48):
And there, do you see that birdof prey circling above us?
It reminds me of the rulers ofmy people, the heads of Jacob
and judges of the house ofIsrael, who circle like vultures
around the helpless andvulnerable.
They hate good and love evil.
(10:09):
They skin the people alive andbreak their bones.
They chop them up like meat forthe pot.
Listen, that hammering comesfrom the workshop of Nathan, the
carpenter down in the village.
He is an honest man, friend,one who works with his hands to
(10:33):
provide for his family, whocharges a fair price for his
labor, who builds doors thatwill not warp and tables that
will not wobble.
His hands are rough from honesttoil, his back bent from years
of faithful service, yet hesleeps peacefully at night
because his conscience is clear.
(10:55):
But the leaders of Israel,their hands are stained not with
honest sweat, but with theblood of the innocent.
They build Zion with bloodshedand Jerusalem with iniquity.
Every stone in their palacesrepresents a family destroyed.
Every cedar beam in theirhouses speaks of a field stolen
(11:20):
from its rightful owner.
Do you hear that tender sound?
A mother.
She's comforting her child inone of the houses below.
It should be the most naturalthing in the world.
A mother protecting her littleone, providing comfort and
(11:44):
security.
Yet in Israel today, even themothers weep because there is no
protection for their children,no justice for their families,
no hope for their future.
And there, that steady rhythm,it's the sound of grain being
(12:04):
ground for the day's bread.
It is the sound of provision,of life being prepared.
Yet the rulers of Israel grindthe faces of the poor, they
crush the needy like grainbeneath the millstone.
They devour the flesh of mypeople and break their bones as
(12:24):
if they were preparing a meal.
But hear me well, belovedfriend.
The Lord sees all.
He who neither slumbers norsleeps has witnessed every act
of oppression, every perversionof justice, every cry of the
afflicted that has goneunanswered by those who should
(12:47):
have been their protectors.
And his judgment is coming uponthe shepherds who have
scattered the flock, upon thebuilders who have constructed
their houses with blood.
Do you hear that?
The storm approaches from thenorth, and with it comes the
(13:08):
wrath of the Almighty.
The very leaders who shouldhave been watchmen on the walls,
warning of danger, have becomethe danger themselves.
They have led the peopleastray, they have caused them to
err, they have made themstumble and fall into the pit of
destruction.
Yet even now, even as my heartbreaks for what is coming upon
(13:33):
my people, I know that the Lordis righteous in all his ways.
His anger burns not fromcruelty, but from perfect love
and holy justice.
He cannot look upon oppressionwith indifference, cannot allow
the innocent to be devouredwhile their shepherds grow fat
on their suffering.
(13:54):
Come, friend, let us findshelter under this ancient olive
tree, while I share with youthe burden that the Lord has
placed upon my heart.
For the word that comes to meis not merely for my generation,
but for all who would hear, allwho would understand the heart
(14:15):
of God toward those who abusetheir power and neglect their
sacred trust.
The storm clouds gather, butbeyond them lies the promise of
a cleansing rain, ofrestoration, of a day when the
true shepherd will come togather his scattered flock and
(14:35):
lead them beside still waters.
Now, let's take a moment toquiet our hearts and listen to
the word itself.
Let these words sink deep intoyour spirit, bringing comfort,
conviction, and encouragement.
Whether you're sitting in aquiet place or out in the world,
(14:58):
allow scripture to meet youright where you are.
I hope you have your favoritecup of tea or coffee.
Sit back, relax, and let's stepinto the sacred text of the
Book of Micah 3.
And I said, Listen, you headsof Jacob and rulers of the house
(15:45):
of Israel, should you not knowjustice?
You who hate the good and lovethe evil, who tear the skin off
my people and the flesh offtheir bones, who eat the flesh
of my people, flay their skinoff them, break their bones in
pieces, and chop them up likemeat in a kettle, like flesh in
(16:07):
a cauldron.
Then they will cry to the Lord,but he will not answer them.
He will hide his face from themat that time, because they have
acted wickedly.
Thus says the Lord concerningthe prophets who lead my people
astray, who cry peace when theyhave something to eat, but
(16:28):
declare war against those whoput nothing into their mouths.
Therefore it shall be night toyou without vision, and darkness
to you without revelation.
The sun shall go down upon theprophets, and the day shall be
black over them, the seers shallbe disgraced, and the diviners
(16:50):
put to shame.
They shall all cover theirlips, for there is no answer
from God.
But as for me, I am filled withpower, with the Spirit of the
Lord, and with justice andmight, to declare to Jacob his
transgression and to Israel hissin.
(17:12):
Hear this, you rulers of thehouse of Jacob, and chiefs of
the house of Israel, who abhorjustice and pervert all equity,
who build Zion with blood andJerusalem with wrong!
Its rulers give judgment for abribe, its priests teach for a
price, its prophets give oraclesfor money, yet they lean upon
(17:36):
the Lord and say, Surely theLord is with us, no harm shall
come upon us.
Therefore, because of you, Zionshall be ploughed as a field,
Jerusalem shall become a heap ofruins, and the mountains of the
house a wooded height.
(18:14):
The Word has been spoken, beloved friend, andnow we sit together as the
shadows lengthen across theseancient hills of Moresheth.
The sun hangs low in thewestern sky, painting the
limestone terraces with hues ofgold and crimson, while the
first evening stars begin topierce the darkening canopy
(18:34):
above us.
The air has grown cool with theapproaching night, carrying the
scent of wild sage and thedistant smoke of cooking fires
from the villages below.
Look at how the people settleinto their evening routines,
unaware that the veryfoundations of the world have
(18:57):
just been shaken by the voice ofthe Almighty.
The merchants secure theirshops with heavy wooden bars,
the mothers call their childrenin from their play.
The fathers check their flocksone final time before darkness
falls.
Life continues its ancientrhythm, even as the decree of
(19:18):
divine judgment echoes throughthe quarters of eternity.
I feel the weight of what wehave witnessed together, friend.
We have stood in the presenceof the Most High God as He
pronounced His sentence upon thecorrupt leaders of his people.
We have heard him expose theshepherds who devour the flock,
(19:41):
the judges who pervert justice,the prophets who lead the people
astray for personal gain.
We have witnessed the terriblemajesty of divine wrath
unleashed against those whoabuse their sacred trust.
But do not think that thesewords were spoken in haste or
(20:02):
vindictive anger, like the rageof a human king whose authority
has been challenged.
No, this is the measuredresponse of the perfect holiness
to the systematic corruption,the inevitable consequence of a
moral universe where thoseentrusted with power will be
(20:22):
held accountable for how theyuse it.
Down in the valley, old Asaphplays his evening song to settle
his flock for the night.
See how the sheep gather closeto him, trusting his voice,
following his lead to the safetyof the fold.
They know he will protect themfrom wolves, guide them to green
(20:48):
pastures, lead them besidestill waters.
If only the people of Israelhad shepherds like faithful
Asaph, if only their leaderscared for them as a true
shepherd cares for his sheep.
We have walked together throughthe indictment of Israel's
leadership, you and I, and wehave seen the evidence of their
(21:10):
crimes written in the tears ofthe oppressed, the heads of
Jacob who hate good and loveevil, skinning the people alive
and breaking their bones, thejudges who abhor justice and
pervert all equity, buildingZion with bloodshed and
Jerusalem with iniquity, thepriests who teach for hire, the
(21:35):
prophets who divine for money,all while claiming that the Lord
is among them and no harm cancome upon them.
Yet even in speaking thesewords of condemnation, I hear
the undertone of love, the griefof the Almighty over what his
chosen leaders have become.
He is like a father whose sonshave dishonored the family name,
(21:59):
like a king who trustedofficials that have betrayed
their oath of loyalty.
The judgment must come.
Holiness demands it, justicerequires it, but it comes from a
heart that breaks even as itacts.
I think of young King Hezekiah,my own great-grandson, who even
(22:24):
now sits upon the throne ofDavid, trying to bring reform to
our land.
He has torn down some of thehigh places, removed some of the
idols, attempted to restoreproper worship in the temple.
Yet even his sincere effortscannot reach into the secret
chambers of men's hearts, cannotroot out the corruption that
(22:46):
grows there like a cancer in thebones.
But you, dear listener, you whohave sat with me through this
long day, who have heard thesehard truths without fleeing,
what will you do with what youhave received?
How long will you respond tothis vision of divine justice
(23:09):
that burns like a refining fire?
Let me ask you the questionsthat burn in my own heart as I
contemplate this third chapterof Divine Revelation.
What kind of leader are you inyour sphere of influence?
You may not be a king or ajudge, but you have authority
(23:31):
somewhere.
As a parent, a supervisor, ateacher, a mentor?
Do you use that authority toserve those under your care?
Or do you serve yourself?
Do you protect the vulnerableor exploit them?
Do you speak truth even when itcosts you?
(23:52):
Or do you say what people wantto hear?
How do you respond whenconfronted with corruption and
leadership?
When you see injustice in yourworkplace, dishonesty in your
government, compromise in yourchurch?
Do you speak up or do youremain silent?
(24:13):
Do you pray for those inauthority or merely complain
about them?
Do you work for positive changeor simply withdraw in disgust?
What motivates your service toothers?
The leaders in Micah's dayserve for personal gain.
The judges for bribes, thepriests for hire, the prophets
(24:38):
for money.
What drives your service?
Are you motivated by love forGod and others?
Or by what you can get inreturn?
Do you serve with pure motivesor mixed ones?
Where do you place your ultimatetrust?
The corrupt leaders trusted intheir position, their wealth,
(25:03):
their religious heritage.
They said, Is not the Lordamong us?
No harm can come upon us.
But their confidence wasmisplaced.
Where do you find yoursecurity?
In your job, your savings, yourreputation, your religious
(25:23):
activities?
Or do you trust in the livingGod who sees all and judges
righteously?
Now, beloved friend, let meshare with you the life lessons
that the Lord has burned into mysoul through this prophecy.
Truths that must shape how youlive each day in this fallen
(25:43):
world.
First, understand thatleadership is stewardship, not
ownership.
Those who are given authorityover others are accountable to
God for how they use thatauthority.
Whether you lead a family, abusiness, a ministry, or a
nation, you will give an accountto the one who sees all and
(26:05):
knows all.
In your daily responsibilities,remember that you are a steward
of the trust placed in you.
Lead with humility, serve withintegrity, make decisions based
on what is right rather thanwhat is profitable.
Your authority is a gift fromGod to be used for his glory in
(26:28):
the good of others.
Second, recognize thatcorruption always starts small.
The leaders in Micah's daydidn't wake up one morning and
decide to become monsters.
They began with smallcompromises, little shortcuts,
minor ethical lapses.
(26:48):
And over time, theseaccumulated until their hearts
became hardened and theirconsciences seared.
In your moral choices, bevigilant about the small things.
Don't rationalize dishonesty,even in the small matters.
Don't compromise your integrityfor temporary advantage.
(27:10):
Don't allow the love of moneyor power to take root in your
heart.
Guard your motives as carefullyas you guard your actions.
Third, remember that God'ssilence is not God's approval.
The leaders thought they couldcontinue in their corruption
(27:31):
because judgment didn't fall onthem immediately.
They mistook God's patience forhis indifference.
But divine justice, thoughsometimes delayed, is never
denied.
When you see evil prospering,don't assume that God doesn't
(27:51):
care or isn't watching.
His mills grind slowly, butthey grind exceedingly fine.
Use the time of apparent delayto examine your own heart, to
repent of your own sins, toalign yourself with his
righteousness before the day ofreckoning comes.
(28:15):
Finally, remember that judgmentis not the end of the story.
Though this chapter speaks ofterrible consequences for
corrupt leadership, it pointsforward to the coming of the
true shepherd, the righteousking who will rule with justice
and mercy.
Even in judgment, God's heartis for restoration.
(28:36):
No matter how dark the timesseem, no matter how corrupt the
leadership is around you,remember that God's kingdom is
coming.
The true shepherd will gatherhis scattered flock, the
righteous king will establishjustice on earth, and your
faithfulness today is preparingyou for service in that coming
(28:59):
kingdom.
As I look out over thedarkening landscape, I see the
lights beginning to twinkle inthe villages below.
Each one representing a family,a life, a soul that God loves
with an everlasting love.
(29:20):
Some of those lights shine inhouses where corruption dwells,
where power is abused and trustis betrayed, but others shine in
humble dwellings whererighteousness lives, where
integrity is valued more thangold, where the fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom.
(29:41):
The night is fully upon us now.
But do not let the darkness ofthis chapter discourage you.
For those who walk inrighteousness, even the darkest
night is illuminated by thelight of God's presence.
Even when human Leaders fail,the divine leader remains
(30:03):
faithful.
Even when earthly shepherdsscatter the flock, the good
shepherd continues to seek andsave the lost.
The same God who must judgecorruption is the God who
provides righteous leadership.
The same voice that thundersagainst injustice is the voice
that whispers comfort to theoppressed.
(30:26):
The same hand that brings downthe proud is the hand that lifts
up the humble and contrite inheart.
Thank you for joining me todayas we journeyed through the Book
of Micah 3.
I pray that you carry thesereflections with you into your
(30:47):
day, into your week, and thatyou find strength in knowing God
is with you in every trial,every temptation, and every step
of obedience.
If this time in God's Word hasencouraged you, take a moment to
share it with someone who mightneed it.
And be sure to join me nexttime as we continue walking
(31:09):
through the scriptures,learning, growing, and staying
faithful in the field of life.
Until next time, may you findpeace in the quiet, trust in
God's call, and rest in hisunchanging love.
This is In the Field AudioBible, where we Listen to the
(31:31):
Bible One Chapter at a Time.
Today, we witness Micah's mostsearing indictment as the
(05:12):
morning sun rises over the hillsof Morasheth.
The echoes of divine warningstill ring in our ears, but now
they crescendo into a thunderousdeclaration against those who
should have been shepherds butbecame wolves, who should have
been protectors but becamepredators.
(05:35):
We have walked through fieldsof injustice and climbed
mountains of oppression.
Now we stand at the cliff whereGod's righteous anger against
corrupt leadership burns like aconsuming fire.
Close your eyes and join usonce more in the hill country of
(05:59):
Judah, where this humbleshepherd will deliver the most
devastating expose of all, thatthose entrusted in leading God's
people have become theirdestroyers, that the very ones
called to dispense justice havebecome merchants of oppression.
(06:20):
Come, let us witness togetherhow the failure of earthly
shepherds points us toward theneed for the true shepherd, how
the corruption of humanleadership reveals our desperate
need for divine intervention.
The night has passed, myfaithful friend, and with the
(06:46):
first light of dawn, I findmyself unable to remain within
the walls of my humble dwelling.
The word of the Lord burnswithin me like a forged fire
that cannot be quenched, and Imust walk, must feel the earth
beneath my feet as I wrestlewith the visions that have
(07:07):
consumed my sleep.
Walk with me along this ancientshepherd's path that winds
between the terraced vineyardsand olive groves.
The morning air is crisp andclean, washed by the dew that
clings like scattered pearls tothe wild mitt growing along the
(07:28):
stone walls.
Can you smell that, friend?
The mingled fragrances of thymeand rosemary, of ripening figs
and late summer grapes, of thegood earth that the Lord has
blessed with his abundance.
Here, let us pause by thissmall spring where the water
(07:54):
bubbles up from the limestonerocks, clear and cold as it has
for countless generations.
My grandfather brought hisflocks here, and his grandfather
before him.
The taste is sweet upon thetongue, untainted by the
corruption that flows throughthe great cities like an open
(08:17):
sewer.
Do you hear that gentle music?
Those are the bells of myflock, still grazing in the high
pastures where the grass growsthick and green.
Old Boaz, my lead ram, knows tokeep them safe while I am away.
The sheep trust him as theytrust me, for they know our
(08:41):
voice, they follow where we leadthem to safety.
If only the shepherds of Israelwere as faithful to their
flocks, if only the leaders ofGod's people cared for their
charges as a true shepherd caresfor his sheep.
But the visions I have seen, ohthe terrible things the Lord
(09:03):
has shown me about those whoshould be protectors but have
become predators, who should behealers, but have become
destroyers.
Look there, across the valleywhere the morning sun paints the
hillsides gold and amber, doyou see that dust cloud rising
(09:25):
from the road that leads toJerusalem?
Those are the tax collectorsreturning from the villages,
their pouches heavy with silverextorted from widows and
orphans.
Behind them ride the judges,their fine robes purchased with
bribes, their hearts harder thanthe stones beneath our feet.
(09:48):
And there, do you see that birdof prey circling above us?
It reminds me of the rulers ofmy people, the heads of Jacob
and judges of the house ofIsrael, who circle like vultures
around the helpless andvulnerable.
They hate good and love evil.
(10:09):
They skin the people alive andbreak their bones.
They chop them up like meat forthe pot.
Listen, that hammering comesfrom the workshop of Nathan, the
carpenter down in the village.
He is an honest man, friend,one who works with his hands to
(10:33):
provide for his family, whocharges a fair price for his
labor, who builds doors thatwill not warp and tables that
will not wobble.
His hands are rough from honesttoil, his back bent from years
of faithful service, yet hesleeps peacefully at night
because his conscience is clear.
(10:55):
But the leaders of Israel,their hands are stained not with
honest sweat, but with theblood of the innocent.
They build Zion with bloodshedand Jerusalem with iniquity.
Every stone in their palacesrepresents a family destroyed.
Every cedar beam in theirhouses speaks of a field stolen
(11:20):
from its rightful owner.
Do you hear that tender sound?
A mother.
She's comforting her child inone of the houses below.
It should be the most naturalthing in the world.
A mother protecting her littleone, providing comfort and
(11:44):
security.
Yet in Israel today, even themothers weep because there is no
protection for their children,no justice for their families,
no hope for their future.
And there, that steady rhythm,it's the sound of grain being
(12:04):
ground for the day's bread.
It is the sound of provision,of life being prepared.
Yet the rulers of Israel grindthe faces of the poor, they
crush the needy like grainbeneath the millstone.
They devour the flesh of mypeople and break their bones as
(12:24):
if they were preparing a meal.
But hear me well, belovedfriend.
The Lord sees all.
He who neither slumbers norsleeps has witnessed every act
of oppression, every perversionof justice, every cry of the
afflicted that has goneunanswered by those who should
(12:47):
have been their protectors.
And his judgment is coming uponthe shepherds who have
scattered the flock, upon thebuilders who have constructed
their houses with blood.
Do you hear that?
The storm approaches from thenorth, and with it comes the
(13:08):
wrath of the Almighty.
The very leaders who shouldhave been watchmen on the walls,
warning of danger, have becomethe danger themselves.
They have led the peopleastray, they have caused them to
err, they have made themstumble and fall into the pit of
destruction.
Yet even now, even as my heartbreaks for what is coming upon
(13:33):
my people, I know that the Lordis righteous in all his ways.
His anger burns not fromcruelty, but from perfect love
and holy justice.
He cannot look upon oppressionwith indifference, cannot allow
the innocent to be devouredwhile their shepherds grow fat
on their suffering.
(13:54):
Come, friend, let us findshelter under this ancient olive
tree, while I share with youthe burden that the Lord has
placed upon my heart.
For the word that comes to meis not merely for my generation,
but for all who would hear, allwho would understand the heart
(14:15):
of God toward those who abusetheir power and neglect their
sacred trust.
The storm clouds gather, butbeyond them lies the promise of
a cleansing rain, ofrestoration, of a day when the
true shepherd will come togather his scattered flock and
(14:35):
lead them beside still waters.
Now, let's take a moment toquiet our hearts and listen to
the word itself.
Let these words sink deep intoyour spirit, bringing comfort,
conviction, and encouragement.
Whether you're sitting in aquiet place or out in the world,
(14:58):
allow scripture to meet youright where you are.
I hope you have your favoritecup of tea or coffee.
Sit back, relax, and let's stepinto the sacred text of the
Book of Micah 3.
And I said, Listen, you headsof Jacob and rulers of the house
(15:45):
of Israel, should you not knowjustice?
You who hate the good and lovethe evil, who tear the skin off
my people and the flesh offtheir bones, who eat the flesh
of my people, flay their skinoff them, break their bones in
pieces, and chop them up likemeat in a kettle, like flesh in
(16:07):
a cauldron.
Then they will cry to the Lord,but he will not answer them.
He will hide his face from themat that time, because they have
acted wickedly.
Thus says the Lord concerningthe prophets who lead my people
astray, who cry peace when theyhave something to eat, but
(16:28):
declare war against those whoput nothing into their mouths.
Therefore it shall be night toyou without vision, and darkness
to you without revelation.
The sun shall go down upon theprophets, and the day shall be
black over them, the seers shallbe disgraced, and the diviners
(16:50):
put to shame.
They shall all cover theirlips, for there is no answer
from God.
But as for me, I am filled withpower, with the Spirit of the
Lord, and with justice andmight, to declare to Jacob his
transgression and to Israel hissin.
(17:12):
Hear this, you rulers of thehouse of Jacob, and chiefs of
the house of Israel, who abhorjustice and pervert all equity,
who build Zion with blood andJerusalem with wrong!
Its rulers give judgment for abribe, its priests teach for a
price, its prophets give oraclesfor money, yet they lean upon
(17:36):
the Lord and say, Surely theLord is with us, no harm shall
come upon us.
Therefore, because of you, Zionshall be ploughed as a field,
Jerusalem shall become a heap ofruins, and the mountains of the
house a wooded height.
(18:14):
The Word has been spoken, beloved friend, andnow we sit together as the
shadows lengthen across theseancient hills of Moresheth.
The sun hangs low in thewestern sky, painting the
limestone terraces with hues ofgold and crimson, while the
first evening stars begin topierce the darkening canopy
(18:34):
above us.
The air has grown cool with theapproaching night, carrying the
scent of wild sage and thedistant smoke of cooking fires
from the villages below.
Look at how the people settleinto their evening routines,
unaware that the veryfoundations of the world have
(18:57):
just been shaken by the voice ofthe Almighty.
The merchants secure theirshops with heavy wooden bars,
the mothers call their childrenin from their play.
The fathers check their flocksone final time before darkness
falls.
Life continues its ancientrhythm, even as the decree of
(19:18):
divine judgment echoes throughthe quarters of eternity.
I feel the weight of what wehave witnessed together, friend.
We have stood in the presenceof the Most High God as He
pronounced His sentence upon thecorrupt leaders of his people.
We have heard him expose theshepherds who devour the flock,
(19:41):
the judges who pervert justice,the prophets who lead the people
astray for personal gain.
We have witnessed the terriblemajesty of divine wrath
unleashed against those whoabuse their sacred trust.
But do not think that thesewords were spoken in haste or
(20:02):
vindictive anger, like the rageof a human king whose authority
has been challenged.
No, this is the measuredresponse of the perfect holiness
to the systematic corruption,the inevitable consequence of a
moral universe where thoseentrusted with power will be
(20:22):
held accountable for how theyuse it.
Down in the valley, old Asaphplays his evening song to settle
his flock for the night.
See how the sheep gather closeto him, trusting his voice,
following his lead to the safetyof the fold.
They know he will protect themfrom wolves, guide them to green
(20:48):
pastures, lead them besidestill waters.
If only the people of Israelhad shepherds like faithful
Asaph, if only their leaderscared for them as a true
shepherd cares for his sheep.
We have walked together throughthe indictment of Israel's
leadership, you and I, and wehave seen the evidence of their
(21:10):
crimes written in the tears ofthe oppressed, the heads of
Jacob who hate good and loveevil, skinning the people alive
and breaking their bones, thejudges who abhor justice and
pervert all equity, buildingZion with bloodshed and
Jerusalem with iniquity, thepriests who teach for hire, the
(21:35):
prophets who divine for money,all while claiming that the Lord
is among them and no harm cancome upon them.
Yet even in speaking thesewords of condemnation, I hear
the undertone of love, the griefof the Almighty over what his
chosen leaders have become.
He is like a father whose sonshave dishonored the family name,
(21:59):
like a king who trustedofficials that have betrayed
their oath of loyalty.
The judgment must come.
Holiness demands it, justicerequires it, but it comes from a
heart that breaks even as itacts.
I think of young King Hezekiah,my own great-grandson, who even
(22:24):
now sits upon the throne ofDavid, trying to bring reform to
our land.
He has torn down some of thehigh places, removed some of the
idols, attempted to restoreproper worship in the temple.
Yet even his sincere effortscannot reach into the secret
chambers of men's hearts, cannotroot out the corruption that
(22:46):
grows there like a cancer in thebones.
But you, dear listener, you whohave sat with me through this
long day, who have heard thesehard truths without fleeing,
what will you do with what youhave received?
How long will you respond tothis vision of divine justice
(23:09):
that burns like a refining fire?
Let me ask you the questionsthat burn in my own heart as I
contemplate this third chapterof Divine Revelation.
What kind of leader are you inyour sphere of influence?
You may not be a king or ajudge, but you have authority
(23:31):
somewhere.
As a parent, a supervisor, ateacher, a mentor?
Do you use that authority toserve those under your care?
Or do you serve yourself?
Do you protect the vulnerableor exploit them?
Do you speak truth even when itcosts you?
(23:52):
Or do you say what people wantto hear?
How do you respond whenconfronted with corruption and
leadership?
When you see injustice in yourworkplace, dishonesty in your
government, compromise in yourchurch?
Do you speak up or do youremain silent?
(24:13):
Do you pray for those inauthority or merely complain
about them?
Do you work for positive changeor simply withdraw in disgust?
What motivates your service toothers?
The leaders in Micah's dayserve for personal gain.
The judges for bribes, thepriests for hire, the prophets
(24:38):
for money.
What drives your service?
Are you motivated by love forGod and others?
Or by what you can get inreturn?
Do you serve with pure motivesor mixed ones?
Where do you place your ultimatetrust?
The corrupt leaders trusted intheir position, their wealth,
(25:03):
their religious heritage.
They said, Is not the Lordamong us?
No harm can come upon us.
But their confidence wasmisplaced.
Where do you find yoursecurity?
In your job, your savings, yourreputation, your religious
(25:23):
activities?
Or do you trust in the livingGod who sees all and judges
righteously?
Now, beloved friend, let meshare with you the life lessons
that the Lord has burned into mysoul through this prophecy.
Truths that must shape how youlive each day in this fallen
(25:43):
world.
First, understand thatleadership is stewardship, not
ownership.
Those who are given authorityover others are accountable to
God for how they use thatauthority.
Whether you lead a family, abusiness, a ministry, or a
nation, you will give an accountto the one who sees all and
(26:05):
knows all.
In your daily responsibilities,remember that you are a steward
of the trust placed in you.
Lead with humility, serve withintegrity, make decisions based
on what is right rather thanwhat is profitable.
Your authority is a gift fromGod to be used for his glory in
(26:28):
the good of others.
Second, recognize thatcorruption always starts small.
The leaders in Micah's daydidn't wake up one morning and
decide to become monsters.
They began with smallcompromises, little shortcuts,
minor ethical lapses.
(26:48):
And over time, theseaccumulated until their hearts
became hardened and theirconsciences seared.
In your moral choices, bevigilant about the small things.
Don't rationalize dishonesty,even in the small matters.
Don't compromise your integrityfor temporary advantage.
(27:10):
Don't allow the love of moneyor power to take root in your
heart.
Guard your motives as carefullyas you guard your actions.
Third, remember that God'ssilence is not God's approval.
The leaders thought they couldcontinue in their corruption
(27:31):
because judgment didn't fall onthem immediately.
They mistook God's patience forhis indifference.
But divine justice, thoughsometimes delayed, is never
denied.
When you see evil prospering,don't assume that God doesn't
(27:51):
care or isn't watching.
His mills grind slowly, butthey grind exceedingly fine.
Use the time of apparent delayto examine your own heart, to
repent of your own sins, toalign yourself with his
righteousness before the day ofreckoning comes.
(28:15):
Finally, remember that judgmentis not the end of the story.
Though this chapter speaks ofterrible consequences for
corrupt leadership, it pointsforward to the coming of the
true shepherd, the righteousking who will rule with justice
and mercy.
Even in judgment, God's heartis for restoration.
(28:36):
No matter how dark the timesseem, no matter how corrupt the
leadership is around you,remember that God's kingdom is
coming.
The true shepherd will gatherhis scattered flock, the
righteous king will establishjustice on earth, and your
faithfulness today is preparingyou for service in that coming
(28:59):
kingdom.
As I look out over thedarkening landscape, I see the
lights beginning to twinkle inthe villages below.
Each one representing a family,a life, a soul that God loves
with an everlasting love.
(29:20):
Some of those lights shine inhouses where corruption dwells,
where power is abused and trustis betrayed, but others shine in
humble dwellings whererighteousness lives, where
integrity is valued more thangold, where the fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom.
(29:41):
The night is fully upon us now.
But do not let the darkness ofthis chapter discourage you.
For those who walk inrighteousness, even the darkest
night is illuminated by thelight of God's presence.
Even when human Leaders fail,the divine leader remains
(30:03):
faithful.
Even when earthly shepherdsscatter the flock, the good
shepherd continues to seek andsave the lost.
The same God who must judgecorruption is the God who
provides righteous leadership.
The same voice that thundersagainst injustice is the voice
that whispers comfort to theoppressed.
(30:26):
The same hand that brings downthe proud is the hand that lifts
up the humble and contrite inheart.
Thank you for joining me todayas we journeyed through the Book
of Micah 3.
I pray that you carry thesereflections with you into your
(30:47):
day, into your week, and thatyou find strength in knowing God
is with you in every trial,every temptation, and every step
of obedience.
If this time in God's Word hasencouraged you, take a moment to
share it with someone who mightneed it.
And be sure to join me nexttime as we continue walking
(31:09):
through the scriptures,learning, growing, and staying
faithful in the field of life.
Until next time, may you findpeace in the quiet, trust in
God's call, and rest in hisunchanging love.
This is In the Field AudioBible, where we Listen to the
(31:31):
Bible One Chapter at a Time.
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