Chunks: The Book of Micah Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/chunks-the-book-of-micah Chunks Bible Mini-Podcasts are designed to help you have a richer and more personal understanding of the teaching of Scripture. Each podcast focuses on a particular book or text, and each episode is only 5 to 10 minutes long, so you can listen whenever you have a few minutes to dig in. This podcast focuses on the Old Testament letter of Micah, and is entitled ”Heartache and Hope.” If you’ve ever wanted to understand a bit more about the Old Testament books of prophecy, Micah is a good and relatively brief place to begin. Micah’s message to the people of Israel and Judah is a dire one. Because the people have lost their way and become so thoroughly corrupt, invaders were coming to take over the land and carry them away into exile. But among even the harshest words of judgment are words of a future hope, including the prophecy of a king who will be born in Bethlehem--the prophecy cited by King Herod’s advisors in Matthew’s Christmas story. Micah helps us understand that what God wants is not merely an outwardly religious people, but a people who in their lives together demonstrate God’s character. New episodes will drop every Friday until the book of Micah is finished. About your host: my name is Cameron Lee. I am a Professor of Family Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, where I’ve taught since 1986; I am also a Certified Family Life Educator as well as a licensed minister and teaching pastor. Writing is my passion: I’ve written or co-authored nine books and several articles, and have been blogging three times per week since 2011 at Squinting Through Fog (the-fog-blog.com). If you enjoy this podcast, check out my Chunks podcast on the Letter of James, entitled ”Working Faith.” Copyright 2023 Cameron Lee. All rights reserved. a40d65e6-c43a-5179-8771-29f0f0901454 no en Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:12:00 -0300 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 02:31:24 -0400 https://chunksmicah.transistor.fm/ https://img.transistor.fm/juzDAnYNM585sWngZnCa0N3qf41hteunBl5qmBHZTA0/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNjhh/YjUyNDI0ZTE1NmIx/N2U4YjEyN2RkNzVk/ZDhlYS5qcGc.jpg Chunks: The Book of Micah https://chunksmicah.transistor.fm/ serial Cameron Lee Chunks Bible Mini-Podcasts are designed to help you have a richer and more personal understanding of the teaching of Scripture. Each podcast focuses on a particular book or text, and each episode is only 5 to 10 minutes long, so you can listen whenever you have a few minutes to dig in. This podcast focuses on the Old Testament letter of Micah, and is entitled ”Heartache and Hope.” If you’ve ever wanted to understand a bit more about the Old Testament books of prophecy, Micah is a good and relatively brief place to begin. Micah’s message to the people of Israel and Judah is a dire one. Because the people have lost their way and become so thoroughly corrupt, invaders were coming to take over the land and carry them away into exile. But among even the harshest words of judgment are words of a future hope, including the prophecy of a king who will be born in Bethlehem--the prophecy cited by King Herod’s advisors in Matthew’s Christmas story. Micah helps us understand that what God wants is not merely an outwardly religious people, but a people who in their lives together demonstrate God’s character. New episodes will drop every Friday until the book of Micah is finished. About your host: my name is Cameron Lee. I am a Professor of Family Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, where I’ve taught since 1986; I am also a Certified Family Life Educator as well as a licensed minister and teaching pastor. Writing is my passion: I’ve written or co-authored nine books and several articles, and have been blogging three times per week since 2011 at Squinting Through Fog (the-fog-blog.com). If you enjoy this podcast, check out my Chunks podcast on the Letter of James, entitled ”Working Faith.” Chunks Bible Mini-Podcasts are designed to help you have a richer and more personal understanding of the teaching of Scripture. chunks2micahheartacheandhope No No Episode 1: Prophet motive 1 1 Episode 1: Prophet motive full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/8af1c87b-8282-353c-94c8-46c4b64fb831 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c3362af Even if you've never read the book of Micah, you may be familiar with some of the passages from it. When King Herod is visited by the magi, for example, the foreigners who come looking for the one born to be King of the Jews, Herod privately asks his advisors where this would happen. When they told him that the king would be born in Bethlehem, they were citing an ancient prophecy of Micah.

But who was Micah? What made him a prophet? This first episode introduces us to Micah and a bit of his background.

]]> Even if you've never read the book of Micah, you may be familiar with some of the passages from it. When King Herod is visited by the magi, for example, the foreigners who come looking for the one born to be King of the Jews, Herod privately asks his advisors where this would happen. When they told him that the king would be born in Bethlehem, they were citing an ancient prophecy of Micah.

But who was Micah? What made him a prophet? This first episode introduces us to Micah and a bit of his background.

]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:20:56 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 357 Even if you've never read the book of Micah, you may be familiar with some of the passages from it. When King Herod is visited by the magi, for example, the foreigners who come looking for the one born to be King of the Jews, Herod privately asks his advisors where this would happen. When they told him that the king would be born in Bethlehem, they were citing an ancient prophecy of Micah. But who was Micah? What made him a prophet? This first episode introduces us to Micah and a bit of his background. Even if you've never read the book of Micah, you may be familiar with some of the passages from it. When King Herod is visited by the magi, for example, the foreigners who come looking for the one born to be King of the Jews, Herod privately asks his advi No Episode 2: Good kings, bad kings 2 2 Episode 2: Good kings, bad kings full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/18dfac84-d077-3481-a874-e1ae8225a1a3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dab50eca The very first verse of Micah tells us that his ministry spanned the reigns of three of the kings of Judah: Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. If we want to understand Micah's prophetic ministry of speaking truth to power, we need to locate him in his political context. This episode briefly explores that history.

]]> The very first verse of Micah tells us that his ministry spanned the reigns of three of the kings of Judah: Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. If we want to understand Micah's prophetic ministry of speaking truth to power, we need to locate him in his political context. This episode briefly explores that history.

]]> Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:21:12 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 437 The very first verse of Micah tells us that his ministry spanned the reigns of three of the kings of Judah: Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. If we want to understand Micah's prophetic ministry of speaking truth to power, we need to locate him in his political context. This episode briefly explores that history. The very first verse of Micah tells us that his ministry spanned the reigns of three of the kings of Judah: Jothan, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. If we want to understand Micah's prophetic ministry of speaking truth to power, we need to locate him in his political No Episode 3: Holding out hope 3 3 Episode 3: Holding out hope full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/6a38227d-4f11-341a-b03b-970763e5b353 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5bd68d48 Let's face it: there's so much doom and gloom in the prophets that it can make for a depressing read. But there is also hope amidst the heartache. This episode gives a brief survey of some of the more hopeful texts, in which the prophet assures his hearers that God will still be faithful to his people.

]]> Let's face it: there's so much doom and gloom in the prophets that it can make for a depressing read. But there is also hope amidst the heartache. This episode gives a brief survey of some of the more hopeful texts, in which the prophet assures his hearers that God will still be faithful to his people.

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:53:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 323 Let's face it: there's so much doom and gloom in the prophets that it can make for a depressing read. But there is also hope amidst the heartache. This episode gives a brief survey of some of the more hopeful texts, in which the prophet assures his hearers that God will still be faithful to his people. Let's face it: there's so much doom and gloom in the prophets that it can make for a depressing read. But there is also hope amidst the heartache. This episode gives a brief survey of some of the more hopeful texts, in which the prophet assures his hearer No Episode 4: Where have all the good kings gone? 4 4 Episode 4: Where have all the good kings gone? full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/e576ac02-d00b-377c-9a50-439d3fc73684 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1782dddf Circling back to Micah's political context: the story of the kings of Israel in the years before their downfall is a sorry one. So too for the southern kingdom of Judah, where Micah preached, though there were a couple of reasonably good kings during Micah's time. As this episode summarizes, Israel would be swept away by Assyria, and Judah would be swept away by Babylon. 

]]> Circling back to Micah's political context: the story of the kings of Israel in the years before their downfall is a sorry one. So too for the southern kingdom of Judah, where Micah preached, though there were a couple of reasonably good kings during Micah's time. As this episode summarizes, Israel would be swept away by Assyria, and Judah would be swept away by Babylon. 

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:55:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 338 Circling back to Micah's political context: the story of the kings of Israel in the years before their downfall is a sorry one. So too for the southern kingdom of Judah, where Micah preached, though there were a couple of reasonably good kings during Micah's time. As this episode summarizes, Israel would be swept away by Assyria, and Judah would be swept away by Babylon.  Circling back to Micah's political context: the story of the kings of Israel in the years before their downfall is a sorry one. So too for the southern kingdom of Judah, where Micah preached, though there were a couple of reasonably good kings during Mica No Episode 5: Court is now in session 5 5 Episode 5: Court is now in session full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/be45f85d-e0ea-3b7f-875c-5b13505fe2d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7ff90f16 After a brief introduction of the prophet Micah himself, the text goes right into prophecy, as Micah delivers an oracle from God. As we'll see in Micah 1:2-4, God is coming as judge--and coming in such power that even the mountains will melt at the touch of his feet. Dare the people think that God comes to judge their enemies? Or does Micah mean something else?

]]> After a brief introduction of the prophet Micah himself, the text goes right into prophecy, as Micah delivers an oracle from God. As we'll see in Micah 1:2-4, God is coming as judge--and coming in such power that even the mountains will melt at the touch of his feet. Dare the people think that God comes to judge their enemies? Or does Micah mean something else?

]]> Fri, 03 Nov 2023 18:01:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 264 After a brief introduction of the prophet Micah himself, the text goes right into prophecy, as Micah delivers an oracle from God. As we'll see in Micah 1:2-4, God is coming as judge--and coming in such power that even the mountains will melt at the touch of his feet. Dare the people think that God comes to judge their enemies? Or does Micah mean something else? After a brief introduction of the prophet Micah himself, the text goes right into prophecy, as Micah delivers an oracle from God. As we'll see in Micah 1:2-4, God is coming as judge--and coming in such power that even the mountains will melt at the touch No Episode 6: Pointing fingers 6 6 Episode 6: Pointing fingers full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/95b60555-1636-371d-b660-4863c8c4cb8e https://share.transistor.fm/s/470863db It's human nature to want to blame others when there's a problem. But that doesn't work when God comes in judgment. While the people might first have thought that Micah was prophesying God judgment against other nations, Micah 1:5 makes it clear that judgment is coming for the people of Israel and Judah...

]]> It's human nature to want to blame others when there's a problem. But that doesn't work when God comes in judgment. While the people might first have thought that Micah was prophesying God judgment against other nations, Micah 1:5 makes it clear that judgment is coming for the people of Israel and Judah...

]]> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:05:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 338 It's human nature to want to blame others when there's a problem. But that doesn't work when God comes in judgment. While the people might first have thought that Micah was prophesying God judgment against other nations, Micah 1:5 makes it clear that judgment is coming for the people of Israel and Judah... It's human nature to want to blame others when there's a problem. But that doesn't work when God comes in judgment. While the people might first have thought that Micah was prophesying God judgment against other nations, Micah 1:5 makes it clear that judg No Episode 7: The heart of the prophet 7 7 Episode 7: The heart of the prophet full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/29ac7b0e-d332-34be-903c-533a8a114524 https://share.transistor.fm/s/326d54d4 Micah 1:6-7 gives a sobering picture of the destruction that is coming to the kingdom of Israel and its capital, Samaria. But Micah doesn't preach his message self-righteously. As verses 8-9 tell us, he grieves openly about the fate of Samaria, and even more so for the way their spiritual disease has infected his home of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem.

]]> Micah 1:6-7 gives a sobering picture of the destruction that is coming to the kingdom of Israel and its capital, Samaria. But Micah doesn't preach his message self-righteously. As verses 8-9 tell us, he grieves openly about the fate of Samaria, and even more so for the way their spiritual disease has infected his home of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem.

]]> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:08:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 327 Micah 1:6-7 gives a sobering picture of the destruction that is coming to the kingdom of Israel and its capital, Samaria. But Micah doesn't preach his message self-righteously. As verses 8-9 tell us, he grieves openly about the fate of Samaria, and even more so for the way their spiritual disease has infected his home of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem. Micah 1:6-7 gives a sobering picture of the destruction that is coming to the kingdom of Israel and its capital, Samaria. But Micah doesn't preach his message self-righteously. As verses 8-9 tell us, he grieves openly about the fate of Samaria, and even m No Episode 8: Tell it not in Gath 8 8 Episode 8: Tell it not in Gath full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/1806e4bf-49ff-3329-943d-6632658e7fde https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe6d96d0 Micah has already foretold the destruction of Samaria (which would happen in his lifetime). He then turns to prophesying against Jerusalem, opening with the words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). These words would probably have sent a chill down the spines of the people of Judah. To understand why, we need to be reminded of the significance of Gath, and the story of David and Saul.

]]> Micah has already foretold the destruction of Samaria (which would happen in his lifetime). He then turns to prophesying against Jerusalem, opening with the words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). These words would probably have sent a chill down the spines of the people of Judah. To understand why, we need to be reminded of the significance of Gath, and the story of David and Saul.

]]> Fri, 10 Nov 2023 18:12:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 390 Micah has already foretold the destruction of Samaria (which would happen in his lifetime). He then turns to prophesying against Jerusalem, opening with the words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). These words would probably have sent a chill down the spines of the people of Judah. To understand why, we need to be reminded of the significance of Gath, and the story of David and Saul. Micah has already foretold the destruction of Samaria (which would happen in his lifetime). He then turns to prophesying against Jerusalem, opening with the words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). These words would probably have sent a chill down the s No Episode 9: When names become omens, part 1 9 9 Episode 9: When names become omens, part 1 full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/21a7a735-7386-3b89-a61c-2c6e8d6c6b78 https://share.transistor.fm/s/34398626 As we saw in the previous episode, Micah begins his oracle against Judah with the ominous words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). What follows from there may sound quite strange to anyone reading the prophecy in English. The problem is that Micah is engaging in a form of wordplay that only makes sense in Hebrew, and therefore loses something in translation. This episode begins exploring the wordplay in the first part of that oracle, up to verse 12.

]]> As we saw in the previous episode, Micah begins his oracle against Judah with the ominous words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). What follows from there may sound quite strange to anyone reading the prophecy in English. The problem is that Micah is engaging in a form of wordplay that only makes sense in Hebrew, and therefore loses something in translation. This episode begins exploring the wordplay in the first part of that oracle, up to verse 12.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:51:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 343 As we saw in the previous episode, Micah begins his oracle against Judah with the ominous words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). What follows from there may sound quite strange to anyone reading the prophecy in English. The problem is that Micah is engaging in a form of wordplay that only makes sense in Hebrew, and therefore loses something in translation. This episode begins exploring the wordplay in the first part of that oracle, up to verse 12. As we saw in the previous episode, Micah begins his oracle against Judah with the ominous words, "Tell it not in Gath" (Micah 1:10). What follows from there may sound quite strange to anyone reading the prophecy in English. The problem is that Micah is en No Episode 10: When names become omens, part 2 10 10 Episode 10: When names become omens, part 2 full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/83713dc0-ef74-3a48-a640-0e2d1b70ef18 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7ff3042 The previous episode began exploring the odd wordplay Micah uses in chapter 1. This episode continues that exploration, looking at Micah 1:13-15. But the wordplay is no laughing matter: not only is Micah foretelling doom, he is naming some of the places of his childhood, and grieving the fate of his homeland.

]]> The previous episode began exploring the odd wordplay Micah uses in chapter 1. This episode continues that exploration, looking at Micah 1:13-15. But the wordplay is no laughing matter: not only is Micah foretelling doom, he is naming some of the places of his childhood, and grieving the fate of his homeland.

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:55:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 355 The previous episode began exploring the odd wordplay Micah uses in chapter 1. This episode continues that exploration, looking at Micah 1:13-15. But the wordplay is no laughing matter: not only is Micah foretelling doom, he is naming some of the places of his childhood, and grieving the fate of his homeland. The previous episode began exploring the odd wordplay Micah uses in chapter 1. This episode continues that exploration, looking at Micah 1:13-15. But the wordplay is no laughing matter: not only is Micah foretelling doom, he is naming some of the places o No Episode 11: Mourning 11 11 Episode 11: Mourning full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/43d3d2a3-fcf8-36aa-bb4c-f1a0dd048c70 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce021573 As I've suggested, Micah mourns for the fate that will befall Judah and Jerusalem. In Micah 1:16, he invites the people themselves to mourn as he predicts the coming exile. Texts like these form the backdrop to what I believe Jesus meant when he taught, "Blessed are those who mourn."

]]> As I've suggested, Micah mourns for the fate that will befall Judah and Jerusalem. In Micah 1:16, he invites the people themselves to mourn as he predicts the coming exile. Texts like these form the backdrop to what I believe Jesus meant when he taught, "Blessed are those who mourn."

]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2023 20:00:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 302 As I've suggested, Micah mourns for the fate that will befall Judah and Jerusalem. In Micah 1:16, he invites the people themselves to mourn as he predicts the coming exile. Texts like these form the backdrop to what I believe Jesus meant when he taught, "Blessed are those who mourn." As I've suggested, Micah mourns for the fate that will befall Judah and Jerusalem. In Micah 1:16, he invites the people themselves to mourn as he predicts the coming exile. Texts like these form the backdrop to what I believe Jesus meant when he taught, " No Episode 12: The rich get richer 12 12 Episode 12: The rich get richer full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/57d5225a-8c7c-3040-9473-69c6aae7fd95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2091a4c Why is doom coming upon Judah? In Micah chapter 2, we begin to find out. The people are living lives of greed and economic injustice. The powerful are taking advantage of the powerless in a way that defies what the people should have understood of God's justice.

]]> Why is doom coming upon Judah? In Micah chapter 2, we begin to find out. The people are living lives of greed and economic injustice. The powerful are taking advantage of the powerless in a way that defies what the people should have understood of God's justice.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:02:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 364 Why is doom coming upon Judah? In Micah chapter 2, we begin to find out. The people are living lives of greed and economic injustice. The powerful are taking advantage of the powerless in a way that defies what the people should have understood of God's justice. Why is doom coming upon Judah? In Micah chapter 2, we begin to find out. The people are living lives of greed and economic injustice. The powerful are taking advantage of the powerless in a way that defies what the people should have understood of God's j No Episode 13: How the mighty have fallen 13 13 Episode 13: How the mighty have fallen full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/c7f85c40-9d80-37dd-b221-ca724622ab0b https://share.transistor.fm/s/7792accc As Micah delivers words of judgment from God, he suggests that the pride of the powerful will become an object of scorn; they will become proverbial for their arrogance and cluelessness.

]]> As Micah delivers words of judgment from God, he suggests that the pride of the powerful will become an object of scorn; they will become proverbial for their arrogance and cluelessness.

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:05:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 404 As Micah delivers words of judgment from God, he suggests that the pride of the powerful will become an object of scorn; they will become proverbial for their arrogance and cluelessness. As Micah delivers words of judgment from God, he suggests that the pride of the powerful will become an object of scorn; they will become proverbial for their arrogance and cluelessness. No Episode 14: The professional half-truth 14 14 Episode 14: The professional half-truth full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/621e8c0f-8abf-3b77-a5a2-f7ca28000b4b https://share.transistor.fm/s/83349a68 It's hard enough for Micah to bring words of condemnation from God. Would the powerful listen to what he had to say? But his job is made even harder by the fact that the rich and powerful have false prophets in their employ who tell them what they want to hear (Micah 2:6).

]]> It's hard enough for Micah to bring words of condemnation from God. Would the powerful listen to what he had to say? But his job is made even harder by the fact that the rich and powerful have false prophets in their employ who tell them what they want to hear (Micah 2:6).

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:08:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 362 It's hard enough for Micah to bring words of condemnation from God. Would the powerful listen to what he had to say? But his job is made even harder by the fact that the rich and powerful have false prophets in their employ who tell them what they want to hear (Micah 2:6). It's hard enough for Micah to bring words of condemnation from God. Would the powerful listen to what he had to say? But his job is made even harder by the fact that the rich and powerful have false prophets in their employ who tell them what they want to No Episode 15: Does God help those who help themselves? 15 15 Episode 15: Does God help those who help themselves? full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/68920e08-93b5-3254-bed6-c290b3bf5282 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f50cce2 Some people think the saying "God helps those who help themselves" comes from the Bible. It doesn't--though Eugene Peterson's The Message does in fact translate one sentence from Micah that way. But as we'll see in this episode, those words are found on the lips of false prophets.

]]> Some people think the saying "God helps those who help themselves" comes from the Bible. It doesn't--though Eugene Peterson's The Message does in fact translate one sentence from Micah that way. But as we'll see in this episode, those words are found on the lips of false prophets.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 14:57:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 409 Some people think the saying "God helps those who help themselves" comes from the Bible. It doesn't--though Eugene Peterson's The Message does in fact translate one sentence from Micah that way. But as we'll see in this episode, those words are found on the lips of false prophets. Some people think the saying "God helps those who help themselves" comes from the Bible. It doesn't--though Eugene Peterson's The Message does in fact translate one sentence from Micah that way. But as we'll see in this episode, those words are found on t No Episode 16: Poetic justice 16 16 Episode 16: Poetic justice full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/87d45241-1c07-3ff9-be66-063ca0486b48 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3ab1d182 Against the teaching of the false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear, Micah now turns to describing the unjust way those with power among God's people have been taking advantage of the poor and weak. And what will God do? He will execute a poetic kind of justice...

]]> Against the teaching of the false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear, Micah now turns to describing the unjust way those with power among God's people have been taking advantage of the poor and weak. And what will God do? He will execute a poetic kind of justice...

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 347 Against the teaching of the false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear, Micah now turns to describing the unjust way those with power among God's people have been taking advantage of the poor and weak. And what will God do? He will execute a poetic kind of justice... Against the teaching of the false prophets who told people what they wanted to hear, Micah now turns to describing the unjust way those with power among God's people have been taking advantage of the poor and weak. And what will God do? He will execute a No Episode 17: The prophet we deserve 27 27 Episode 17: The prophet we deserve full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/0a775a7b-4daa-3038-96cb-10a06718cecd https://share.transistor.fm/s/1bc85883 As we've seen, Micah has spoken out boldly of the poetic justice that will befall the leaders of Judah. Here, he not only accuses them of injustice, but of both hedonism and gullibility: they'll believe anyone who tells them what they want to hear--especially if alcohol is involved!

]]> As we've seen, Micah has spoken out boldly of the poetic justice that will befall the leaders of Judah. Here, he not only accuses them of injustice, but of both hedonism and gullibility: they'll believe anyone who tells them what they want to hear--especially if alcohol is involved!

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:46:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 310 As we've seen, Micah has spoken out boldly of the poetic justice that will befall the leaders of Judah. Here, he not only accuses them of injustice, but of both hedonism and gullibility: they'll believe anyone who tells them what they want to hear--especially if alcohol is involved! As we've seen, Micah has spoken out boldly of the poetic justice that will befall the leaders of Judah. Here, he not only accuses them of injustice, but of both hedonism and gullibility: they'll believe anyone who tells them what they want to hear--especi No Episode 18: The LORD is my shepherd 17 17 Episode 18: The LORD is my shepherd full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/d99cb2c9-c1ca-37f2-9633-757475a6de6c https://share.transistor.fm/s/0260c3cc Perhaps the best-known, best-loved psalm is Psalm 23, the so-called Shepherd Psalm. We are the sheep for whom God as shepherd cares. The metaphor is used throughout the Old Testament to speak of God's covenant devotion to his people. And even despite the dire prediction of the punishment that is coming to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, Micah still brings words from God that convey the shepherd's protection of his flock.

]]> Perhaps the best-known, best-loved psalm is Psalm 23, the so-called Shepherd Psalm. We are the sheep for whom God as shepherd cares. The metaphor is used throughout the Old Testament to speak of God's covenant devotion to his people. And even despite the dire prediction of the punishment that is coming to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, Micah still brings words from God that convey the shepherd's protection of his flock.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:04:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 349 Perhaps the best-known, best-loved psalm is Psalm 23, the so-called Shepherd Psalm. We are the sheep for whom God as shepherd cares. The metaphor is used throughout the Old Testament to speak of God's covenant devotion to his people. And even despite the dire prediction of the punishment that is coming to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, Micah still brings words from God that convey the shepherd's protection of his flock. Perhaps the best-known, best-loved psalm is Psalm 23, the so-called Shepherd Psalm. We are the sheep for whom God as shepherd cares. The metaphor is used throughout the Old Testament to speak of God's covenant devotion to his people. And even despite the No Episode 19: The shepherd is my king 18 18 Episode 19: The shepherd is my king full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/57f823ab-a437-30f0-bf11-8c0f6e30983a https://share.transistor.fm/s/93b458f9 As we've seen, some of Micah's words portray God as the shepherd of his people, conveying a sense of comfort and protection. But the metaphor would have meant more than that to Micah and his audience. As we'll explore in this episode, the metaphor of God as shepherd in the Old Testament cannot be easily separated from image of God as king.

]]> As we've seen, some of Micah's words portray God as the shepherd of his people, conveying a sense of comfort and protection. But the metaphor would have meant more than that to Micah and his audience. As we'll explore in this episode, the metaphor of God as shepherd in the Old Testament cannot be easily separated from image of God as king.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:10:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 403 As we've seen, some of Micah's words portray God as the shepherd of his people, conveying a sense of comfort and protection. But the metaphor would have meant more than that to Micah and his audience. As we'll explore in this episode, the metaphor of God as shepherd in the Old Testament cannot be easily separated from image of God as king. As we've seen, some of Micah's words portray God as the shepherd of his people, conveying a sense of comfort and protection. But the metaphor would have meant more than that to Micah and his audience. As we'll explore in this episode, the metaphor of God No Episode 20: Corruption instead of justice 19 19 Episode 20: Corruption instead of justice full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/bad016f3-4a3a-3551-b7a0-9e22987d90c6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e5828d60 In chapter 3, Micah turns to some of his harshest condemnations. There are three oracles against the corrupt leaders of Judah, which we will explore one at a time in upcoming episodes. Here, I introduce the idea of corruption itself, especially as it relates to our understanding of sin.

]]> In chapter 3, Micah turns to some of his harshest condemnations. There are three oracles against the corrupt leaders of Judah, which we will explore one at a time in upcoming episodes. Here, I introduce the idea of corruption itself, especially as it relates to our understanding of sin.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:14:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 335 In chapter 3, Micah turns to some of his harshest condemnations. There are three oracles against the corrupt leaders of Judah, which we will explore one at a time in upcoming episodes. Here, I introduce the idea of corruption itself, especially as it relates to our understanding of sin. In chapter 3, Micah turns to some of his harshest condemnations. There are three oracles against the corrupt leaders of Judah, which we will explore one at a time in upcoming episodes. Here, I introduce the idea of corruption itself, especially as it rela No Episode 21: Eaten alive 20 20 Episode 21: Eaten alive full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/b7218f19-7483-3fbd-91cf-e8f961259b68 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2813e1d4 Imagine going to court as a plaintiff seeking justice, and finding that the judge is taking bribes from the defendant. Such is the injustice in Jerusalem, and Micah doesn't mince words in his condemnation of corrupt judges. His language is extreme, suggesting that the corrupt are eating the innocent alive.

]]> Imagine going to court as a plaintiff seeking justice, and finding that the judge is taking bribes from the defendant. Such is the injustice in Jerusalem, and Micah doesn't mince words in his condemnation of corrupt judges. His language is extreme, suggesting that the corrupt are eating the innocent alive.

]]> Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:18:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 409 Imagine going to court as a plaintiff seeking justice, and finding that the judge is taking bribes from the defendant. Such is the injustice in Jerusalem, and Micah doesn't mince words in his condemnation of corrupt judges. His language is extreme, suggesting that the corrupt are eating the innocent alive. Imagine going to court as a plaintiff seeking justice, and finding that the judge is taking bribes from the defendant. Such is the injustice in Jerusalem, and Micah doesn't mince words in his condemnation of corrupt judges. His language is extreme, sugges No Episode 22: The slippery slope 21 21 Episode 22: The slippery slope full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/4e1b4620-e5a7-31f5-83f8-3a3f38df4629 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a2687fe2 Micah now turns his condemnation against the false prophets who are paid to tell the powerful what they want to hear. While the previous oracle against corrupt judges was from Micah, this oracle is from God--for the false prophets claim to speak on God's behalf.

]]> Micah now turns his condemnation against the false prophets who are paid to tell the powerful what they want to hear. While the previous oracle against corrupt judges was from Micah, this oracle is from God--for the false prophets claim to speak on God's behalf.

]]> Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:26:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 387 Micah now turns his condemnation against the false prophets who are paid to tell the powerful what they want to hear. While the previous oracle against corrupt judges was from Micah, this oracle is from God--for the false prophets claim to speak on God's behalf. Micah now turns his condemnation against the false prophets who are paid to tell the powerful what they want to hear. While the previous oracle against corrupt judges was from Micah, this oracle is from God--for the false prophets claim to speak on God's No Episode 23: Breaking through 22 22 Episode 23: Breaking through full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/9b38449d-d193-3ad9-9a01-4ff1edde9713 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f50d41c In contrast to the false prophets--who may have been Micah's former colleagues!--Micah claims to be filled with the Spirit and therefore empowered to declare the people's sins openly to them. As we'll see in this episode, what he says about himself might remind us of the apostle Paul...

]]> In contrast to the false prophets--who may have been Micah's former colleagues!--Micah claims to be filled with the Spirit and therefore empowered to declare the people's sins openly to them. As we'll see in this episode, what he says about himself might remind us of the apostle Paul...

]]> Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:29:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 353 In contrast to the false prophets--who may have been Micah's former colleagues!--Micah claims to be filled with the Spirit and therefore empowered to declare the people's sins openly to them. As we'll see in this episode, what he says about himself might remind us of the apostle Paul... In contrast to the false prophets--who may have been Micah's former colleagues!--Micah claims to be filled with the Spirit and therefore empowered to declare the people's sins openly to them. As we'll see in this episode, what he says about himself might No Episode 24: Paid by the word 23 23 Episode 24: Paid by the word full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/b2ad38e9-afd6-3374-889c-e7e7fd05dae4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e862e99a Micah has already lashed out against corrupt judges and false prophets. Here, he again speaks against judges and prophets, but also priests. What do all these leaders share in common? They've betrayed their duty for money.

]]> Micah has already lashed out against corrupt judges and false prophets. Here, he again speaks against judges and prophets, but also priests. What do all these leaders share in common? They've betrayed their duty for money.

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:32:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 362 Micah has already lashed out against corrupt judges and false prophets. Here, he again speaks against judges and prophets, but also priests. What do all these leaders share in common? They've betrayed their duty for money. Micah has already lashed out against corrupt judges and false prophets. Here, he again speaks against judges and prophets, but also priests. What do all these leaders share in common? They've betrayed their duty for money. No Episode 25: Drinking the Kool-Aid 24 24 Episode 25: Drinking the Kool-Aid full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/ef42041b-6430-3bef-b3ae-d72ef81d45b8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff6361ce As we've seen, the various kinds of corrupt leaders in Judah had all been swayed by lure of money. But what they also share in common is a spiritual delusion: despite their greedy and unrighteous behavior, they think their worldly success is a sign of God's blessing.

]]> As we've seen, the various kinds of corrupt leaders in Judah had all been swayed by lure of money. But what they also share in common is a spiritual delusion: despite their greedy and unrighteous behavior, they think their worldly success is a sign of God's blessing.

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:36:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 386 As we've seen, the various kinds of corrupt leaders in Judah had all been swayed by lure of money. But what they also share in common is a spiritual delusion: despite their greedy and unrighteous behavior, they think their worldly success is a sign of God's blessing. As we've seen, the various kinds of corrupt leaders in Judah had all been swayed by lure of money. But what they also share in common is a spiritual delusion: despite their greedy and unrighteous behavior, they think their worldly success is a sign of God No Episode 26: Reduced to rubble 25 25 Episode 26: Reduced to rubble full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/be5c22c3-291f-3a2e-9a0e-cf2841194d78 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc361406 In chapter 1, Micah already pronounced doom upon Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Now, in 3:12, he uses similar language to predict the destruction of Jerusalem. This wouldn't happen in Micah's lifetime, but it would in Jeremiah's--and as we'll see in this episode, it was because of Micah's prophecy that Jeremiah was spared execution.

]]> In chapter 1, Micah already pronounced doom upon Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Now, in 3:12, he uses similar language to predict the destruction of Jerusalem. This wouldn't happen in Micah's lifetime, but it would in Jeremiah's--and as we'll see in this episode, it was because of Micah's prophecy that Jeremiah was spared execution.

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:39:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 344 In chapter 1, Micah already pronounced doom upon Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Now, in 3:12, he uses similar language to predict the destruction of Jerusalem. This wouldn't happen in Micah's lifetime, but it would in Jeremiah's--and as we'll see in this episode, it was because of Micah's prophecy that Jeremiah was spared execution. In chapter 1, Micah already pronounced doom upon Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Now, in 3:12, he uses similar language to predict the destruction of Jerusalem. This wouldn't happen in Micah's lifetime, but it would in Jeremiah's-- No Episode 27: Like moths to a flame 26 26 Episode 27: Like moths to a flame full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/f83080ce-6589-3b22-98f6-efb787408b5e https://share.transistor.fm/s/e0d80916 Chapter 3 ended with a grim prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. But chapter 4 opens with a hopeful vision of the city being restored to a place of prominence, with the people streaming to it to learn God's ways...

]]> Chapter 3 ended with a grim prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. But chapter 4 opens with a hopeful vision of the city being restored to a place of prominence, with the people streaming to it to learn God's ways...

]]> Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:42:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 333 Chapter 3 ended with a grim prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. But chapter 4 opens with a hopeful vision of the city being restored to a place of prominence, with the people streaming to it to learn God's ways... Chapter 3 ended with a grim prediction of the fall of Jerusalem. But chapter 4 opens with a hopeful vision of the city being restored to a place of prominence, with the people streaming to it to learn God's ways... No Episode 28: Swords into plowshares 28 28 Episode 28: Swords into plowshares full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/e75b08da-f3fa-30a0-8e6e-cbc4ef5097f5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5081f75b The oracle at the beginning of chapter 4 envisions Jerusalem a place to which the nations stream. Not only do they come to learn from God, they come seeking justice. And when this happens, there will no longer be any need for war: weapons will be exchanged for the tools needed for farming.

]]> The oracle at the beginning of chapter 4 envisions Jerusalem a place to which the nations stream. Not only do they come to learn from God, they come seeking justice. And when this happens, there will no longer be any need for war: weapons will be exchanged for the tools needed for farming.

]]> Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:53:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 357 The oracle at the beginning of chapter 4 envisions Jerusalem a place to which the nations stream. Not only do they come to learn from God, they come seeking justice. And when this happens, there will no longer be any need for war: weapons will be exchanged for the tools needed for farming. The oracle at the beginning of chapter 4 envisions Jerusalem a place to which the nations stream. Not only do they come to learn from God, they come seeking justice. And when this happens, there will no longer be any need for war: weapons will be exchange No Episode 29: Relaxed and unafraid 29 29 Episode 29: Relaxed and unafraid full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/60258f25-b0cd-3965-8a59-d7473ae0141e https://share.transistor.fm/s/50ae3374 Imagine living (as many in the world do) under the constant threat of war. Then imagine having that burden lifted, so that you were free to relax in your garden and take it easy. That's the image Micah uses to speak of the hope that still lay in the future...

]]> Imagine living (as many in the world do) under the constant threat of war. Then imagine having that burden lifted, so that you were free to relax in your garden and take it easy. That's the image Micah uses to speak of the hope that still lay in the future...

]]> Fri, 29 Dec 2023 15:57:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 325 Imagine living (as many in the world do) under the constant threat of war. Then imagine having that burden lifted, so that you were free to relax in your garden and take it easy. That's the image Micah uses to speak of the hope that still lay in the future... Imagine living (as many in the world do) under the constant threat of war. Then imagine having that burden lifted, so that you were free to relax in your garden and take it easy. That's the image Micah uses to speak of the hope that still lay in the futur No Episode 30: Walking, not waiting 30 30 Episode 30: Walking, not waiting full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/34dba2f3-897a-37ee-9f8b-ae5d5ed17bdc https://share.transistor.fm/s/decb723a In previous verses, we've seen how Micah both predicts the punishment that is coming to Jerusalem and Judah, and yet also a future in which the nations will actually seek God. In the meantime, what? Do the people just wait for disaster or peace to come? No: they are to to walk in God's way, as they were always called to do.

]]> In previous verses, we've seen how Micah both predicts the punishment that is coming to Jerusalem and Judah, and yet also a future in which the nations will actually seek God. In the meantime, what? Do the people just wait for disaster or peace to come? No: they are to to walk in God's way, as they were always called to do.

]]> Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:14:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 397 In previous verses, we've seen how Micah both predicts the punishment that is coming to Jerusalem and Judah, and yet also a future in which the nations will actually seek God. In the meantime, what? Do the people just wait for disaster or peace to come? No: they are to to walk in God's way, as they were always called to do. In previous verses, we've seen how Micah both predicts the punishment that is coming to Jerusalem and Judah, and yet also a future in which the nations will actually seek God. In the meantime, what? Do the people just wait for disaster or peace to come? N No Episode 31: Gathering the flock 31 31 Episode 31: Gathering the flock full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/259f4a42-5c31-32af-80f2-98d89c31fe3d https://share.transistor.fm/s/d13a03c5 We've already seen how the closing verses of chapter 2 uses the metaphor of God as the Shepherd-King. And we've seen how the opening verses of chapter 4 paint a beautiful picture of the eventual restoration of Jerusalem. That oracle of hope in chapter 4 continues in verses 6 to 8, again bringing in the metaphor of God as the shepherd who watches over the flock, the remnant who will return from exile.

]]> We've already seen how the closing verses of chapter 2 uses the metaphor of God as the Shepherd-King. And we've seen how the opening verses of chapter 4 paint a beautiful picture of the eventual restoration of Jerusalem. That oracle of hope in chapter 4 continues in verses 6 to 8, again bringing in the metaphor of God as the shepherd who watches over the flock, the remnant who will return from exile.

]]> Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:19:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 410 We've already seen how the closing verses of chapter 2 uses the metaphor of God as the Shepherd-King. And we've seen how the opening verses of chapter 4 paint a beautiful picture of the eventual restoration of Jerusalem. That oracle of hope in chapter 4 continues in verses 6 to 8, again bringing in the metaphor of God as the shepherd who watches over the flock, the remnant who will return from exile. We've already seen how the closing verses of chapter 2 uses the metaphor of God as the Shepherd-King. And we've seen how the opening verses of chapter 4 paint a beautiful picture of the eventual restoration of Jerusalem. That oracle of hope in chapter 4 c No Episode 32: The long view 32 32 Episode 32: The long view full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/d044e0a6-3945-3cc0-9e10-7b09ab1f48b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c13aaea Micah's oracle promises God's care for his flock, for the remnant of the people left after the exile. None of this would happen in Micah's lifetime. And although the people did return little by little when Persia defeated Babylon and ended their exile, the promise that Jerusalem's royal status would be restored still wasn't fulfilled. How long would it take?

]]> Micah's oracle promises God's care for his flock, for the remnant of the people left after the exile. None of this would happen in Micah's lifetime. And although the people did return little by little when Persia defeated Babylon and ended their exile, the promise that Jerusalem's royal status would be restored still wasn't fulfilled. How long would it take?

]]> Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:24:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 405 Micah's oracle promises God's care for his flock, for the remnant of the people left after the exile. None of this would happen in Micah's lifetime. And although the people did return little by little when Persia defeated Babylon and ended their exile, the promise that Jerusalem's royal status would be restored still wasn't fulfilled. How long would it take? Micah's oracle promises God's care for his flock, for the remnant of the people left after the exile. None of this would happen in Micah's lifetime. And although the people did return little by little when Persia defeated Babylon and ended their exile, th No Episode 33: The Shepherd-King 33 33 Episode 33: The Shepherd-King full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/5cf4548b-0975-389b-81cf-7fe2a70cedae https://share.transistor.fm/s/95710b8f We've raised the question of how long it would take for Micah's prophecy to be fulfilled. In Micah, God is portrayed as the Shepherd-King--and followers of Jesus should remember this when reading references in the New Testament to Jesus as Shepherd and King. In this episode, we'll explore some of those references.

]]> We've raised the question of how long it would take for Micah's prophecy to be fulfilled. In Micah, God is portrayed as the Shepherd-King--and followers of Jesus should remember this when reading references in the New Testament to Jesus as Shepherd and King. In this episode, we'll explore some of those references.

]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:29:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 423 We've raised the question of how long it would take for Micah's prophecy to be fulfilled. In Micah, God is portrayed as the Shepherd-King--and followers of Jesus should remember this when reading references in the New Testament to Jesus as Shepherd and King. In this episode, we'll explore some of those references. We've raised the question of how long it would take for Micah's prophecy to be fulfilled. In Micah, God is portrayed as the Shepherd-King--and followers of Jesus should remember this when reading references in the New Testament to Jesus as Shepherd and Ki No Episode 34: Bad news, good news 34 34 Episode 34: Bad news, good news full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/ab7e452f-8ea9-30ef-bc33-408b71aa9c47 https://share.transistor.fm/s/066bcbbb Doom and gloom, heartache and hope. The oracles of Micah ping back and forth. We've seen some remarkable words of hope in recent verses--but now its time to go back to words predicting destruction and exile, even mentioning Babylon by name. And still there is hope, for Micah promises that God will rescue the people from Babylon.

]]> Doom and gloom, heartache and hope. The oracles of Micah ping back and forth. We've seen some remarkable words of hope in recent verses--but now its time to go back to words predicting destruction and exile, even mentioning Babylon by name. And still there is hope, for Micah promises that God will rescue the people from Babylon.

]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:33:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 355 Doom and gloom, heartache and hope. The oracles of Micah ping back and forth. We've seen some remarkable words of hope in recent verses--but now its time to go back to words predicting destruction and exile, even mentioning Babylon by name. And still there is hope, for Micah promises that God will rescue the people from Babylon. Doom and gloom, heartache and hope. The oracles of Micah ping back and forth. We've seen some remarkable words of hope in recent verses--but now its time to go back to words predicting destruction and exile, even mentioning Babylon by name. And still ther No Episode 35: The threshing floor 35 35 Episode 35: The threshing floor full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/e500bc4f-1db7-3f08-8319-76eb8a424179 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8c9732a9 Unless God fights their battles, the people of Judah have no hope against the forces of Assyria or Babylon. Yet this is what Micah promises. Using the metaphor of threshing grain, Micah promises that God will give them a stunning victory against impossible odds.

]]> Unless God fights their battles, the people of Judah have no hope against the forces of Assyria or Babylon. Yet this is what Micah promises. Using the metaphor of threshing grain, Micah promises that God will give them a stunning victory against impossible odds.

]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:37:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 355 Unless God fights their battles, the people of Judah have no hope against the forces of Assyria or Babylon. Yet this is what Micah promises. Using the metaphor of threshing grain, Micah promises that God will give them a stunning victory against impossible odds. Unless God fights their battles, the people of Judah have no hope against the forces of Assyria or Babylon. Yet this is what Micah promises. Using the metaphor of threshing grain, Micah promises that God will give them a stunning victory against impossibl No Episode 36: Past, present, and future 36 36 Episode 36: Past, present, and future full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/df249512-b52a-3f45-a9b9-4bee9cb43562 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ccd06b3b The beginning of Micah chapter 5 brings us to one of the best known passages from the book: the prophecy of the one who would come from Bethlehem to rule God's people, the prophecy cited by the advisors of Herod the Great in the gospel of Matthew. This episode begins our exploration of Micah's prophecy against the background of that New Testament story.

]]> The beginning of Micah chapter 5 brings us to one of the best known passages from the book: the prophecy of the one who would come from Bethlehem to rule God's people, the prophecy cited by the advisors of Herod the Great in the gospel of Matthew. This episode begins our exploration of Micah's prophecy against the background of that New Testament story.

]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:43:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 441 The beginning of Micah chapter 5 brings us to one of the best known passages from the book: the prophecy of the one who would come from Bethlehem to rule God's people, the prophecy cited by the advisors of Herod the Great in the gospel of Matthew. This episode begins our exploration of Micah's prophecy against the background of that New Testament story. The beginning of Micah chapter 5 brings us to one of the best known passages from the book: the prophecy of the one who would come from Bethlehem to rule God's people, the prophecy cited by the advisors of Herod the Great in the gospel of Matthew. This ep No Episode 37: The view from above 37 37 Episode 37: The view from above full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/dd280b3c-bbae-3d2c-a38d-c643983639e3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce295fe8 Making sense of prophecy requires a different way of looking at history: the texts can refer to both the people's current situation and the near or distant future at the same time. Put differently, we need both a view from below and a view from above...

]]> Making sense of prophecy requires a different way of looking at history: the texts can refer to both the people's current situation and the near or distant future at the same time. Put differently, we need both a view from below and a view from above...

]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:46:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 419 Making sense of prophecy requires a different way of looking at history: the texts can refer to both the people's current situation and the near or distant future at the same time. Put differently, we need both a view from below and a view from above... Making sense of prophecy requires a different way of looking at history: the texts can refer to both the people's current situation and the near or distant future at the same time. Put differently, we need both a view from below and a view from above... No Episode 38: He will be our peace 38 38 Episode 38: He will be our peace full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/11e86c93-a93f-35a6-b078-02f1950f03f2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bd9882d5 In the previous episode, I suggested that we need to have both a view from below and a view from above to read Micah (and other prophecy) rightly. This episode will explore how we might do that using the words of both Micah and Isaiah to think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace.

]]> In the previous episode, I suggested that we need to have both a view from below and a view from above to read Micah (and other prophecy) rightly. This episode will explore how we might do that using the words of both Micah and Isaiah to think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace.

]]> Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:50:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 376 In the previous episode, I suggested that we need to have both a view from below and a view from above to read Micah (and other prophecy) rightly. This episode will explore how we might do that using the words of both Micah and Isaiah to think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace. In the previous episode, I suggested that we need to have both a view from below and a view from above to read Micah (and other prophecy) rightly. This episode will explore how we might do that using the words of both Micah and Isaiah to think of Jesus as No Episode 39: Like the dew 39 39 Episode 39: Like the dew full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/b9466f3e-76ce-3369-9f87-9f30d463b4a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c8f0a72 God's people were always meant to be a blessing to others. But the remnant--the much smaller number who would eventually return from Babylonian exile--would find themselves in tense relationships with their new neighbors. Were the people still meant to be a blessing to them? That's what Micah 5:7 seems to suggest...

]]> God's people were always meant to be a blessing to others. But the remnant--the much smaller number who would eventually return from Babylonian exile--would find themselves in tense relationships with their new neighbors. Were the people still meant to be a blessing to them? That's what Micah 5:7 seems to suggest...

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 18:54:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 340 God's people were always meant to be a blessing to others. But the remnant--the much smaller number who would eventually return from Babylonian exile--would find themselves in tense relationships with their new neighbors. Were the people still meant to be a blessing to them? That's what Micah 5:7 seems to suggest... God's people were always meant to be a blessing to others. But the remnant--the much smaller number who would eventually return from Babylonian exile--would find themselves in tense relationships with their new neighbors. Were the people still meant to be No Episode 40: Like a lion 40 40 Episode 40: Like a lion full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/24bf482e-2625-3bae-9e5e-9287e874657c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7e4c0222 In the previous episode, we saw how Micah 5:7 prophesied that the remnant would be a blessing to the nations, like dew in an arid climate. But the next two verses portray the remnant as a marauding lion instead. How do we hold these two images together?

]]> In the previous episode, we saw how Micah 5:7 prophesied that the remnant would be a blessing to the nations, like dew in an arid climate. But the next two verses portray the remnant as a marauding lion instead. How do we hold these two images together?

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 369 In the previous episode, we saw how Micah 5:7 prophesied that the remnant would be a blessing to the nations, like dew in an arid climate. But the next two verses portray the remnant as a marauding lion instead. How do we hold these two images together? In the previous episode, we saw how Micah 5:7 prophesied that the remnant would be a blessing to the nations, like dew in an arid climate. But the next two verses portray the remnant as a marauding lion instead. How do we hold these two images together? No Episode 41: But first, this... 41 41 Episode 41: But first, this... full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/e6aac80a-16ff-3183-baf4-d1514daed314 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0f17bb98 The book of Micah assumes that God is a covenant God, a God who is faithful to the promises made to Abraham and others. It's because of this that the remnant will eventually destroy their enemies. But the people have been disobedient--which means that God must first destroy whatever stands in the way of their faithfulness to the covenant.

]]> The book of Micah assumes that God is a covenant God, a God who is faithful to the promises made to Abraham and others. It's because of this that the remnant will eventually destroy their enemies. But the people have been disobedient--which means that God must first destroy whatever stands in the way of their faithfulness to the covenant.

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:03:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 343 The book of Micah assumes that God is a covenant God, a God who is faithful to the promises made to Abraham and others. It's because of this that the remnant will eventually destroy their enemies. But the people have been disobedient--which means that God must first destroy whatever stands in the way of their faithfulness to the covenant. The book of Micah assumes that God is a covenant God, a God who is faithful to the promises made to Abraham and others. It's because of this that the remnant will eventually destroy their enemies. But the people have been disobedient--which means that God No Episode 42: Security 42 42 Episode 42: Security full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/cdd4ee25-2918-33c2-a5a6-6cc05e5032c3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ee7bf1cf Security and trust point to a basic need we share as vulnerable humans. Even kings need reassurance sometimes...

In the previous episode, we considered Micah 5:10-15, in which God vows to destroy Judah's disobedience and idolatry. This passage may be best read against the background of King Hezekiah's concern about the imminent invasion by Assyria. The question is: when disaster threatens, in whom or what do we trust?

]]> Security and trust point to a basic need we share as vulnerable humans. Even kings need reassurance sometimes...

In the previous episode, we considered Micah 5:10-15, in which God vows to destroy Judah's disobedience and idolatry. This passage may be best read against the background of King Hezekiah's concern about the imminent invasion by Assyria. The question is: when disaster threatens, in whom or what do we trust?

]]> Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:09:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 394 Security and trust point to a basic need we share as vulnerable humans. Even kings need reassurance sometimes... In the previous episode, we considered Micah 5:10-15, in which God vows to destroy Judah's disobedience and idolatry. This passage may be best read against the background of King Hezekiah's concern about the imminent invasion by Assyria. The question is: when disaster threatens, in whom or what do we trust? Security and trust point to a basic need we share as vulnerable humans. Even kings need reassurance sometimes... In the previous episode, we considered Micah 5:10-15, in which God vows to destroy Judah's disobedience and idolatry. This passage may be best No Episode 43: A severe love 43 43 Episode 43: A severe love full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/d78f42ac-f392-3823-8390-8814636353b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f8581570 "I will destroy..." The passage we've been examining over the last two episodes can be a disturbing one, particularly if we want to hold onto a one-dimensional view of God's love and grace. But we cannot soft pedal the wrath of God in this book or in this passage. Can we recognize the depth of God's anger at sin and still believe--and believe deeply!--in his love?

]]> "I will destroy..." The passage we've been examining over the last two episodes can be a disturbing one, particularly if we want to hold onto a one-dimensional view of God's love and grace. But we cannot soft pedal the wrath of God in this book or in this passage. Can we recognize the depth of God's anger at sin and still believe--and believe deeply!--in his love?

]]> Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:15:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 466 "I will destroy..." The passage we've been examining over the last two episodes can be a disturbing one, particularly if we want to hold onto a one-dimensional view of God's love and grace. But we cannot soft pedal the wrath of God in this book or in this passage. Can we recognize the depth of God's anger at sin and still believe--and believe deeply!--in his love? "I will destroy..." The passage we've been examining over the last two episodes can be a disturbing one, particularly if we want to hold onto a one-dimensional view of God's love and grace. But we cannot soft pedal the wrath of God in this book or in this No Episode 44: Lawsuit 44 44 Episode 44: Lawsuit full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/b65ae1c1-9b61-3dde-acf6-42ef6205bb06 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dbd16c62 Chapter 6 shifts the scene to a courtroom: God is bringing a lawsuit against his people for their unfaithfulness to the covenant. Micah is the prosecuting attorney, and the mountains and hills are called as witnesses...

]]> Chapter 6 shifts the scene to a courtroom: God is bringing a lawsuit against his people for their unfaithfulness to the covenant. Micah is the prosecuting attorney, and the mountains and hills are called as witnesses...

]]> Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:20:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 318 Chapter 6 shifts the scene to a courtroom: God is bringing a lawsuit against his people for their unfaithfulness to the covenant. Micah is the prosecuting attorney, and the mountains and hills are called as witnesses... Chapter 6 shifts the scene to a courtroom: God is bringing a lawsuit against his people for their unfaithfulness to the covenant. Micah is the prosecuting attorney, and the mountains and hills are called as witnesses... No Episode 45: Remember your journey 45 45 Episode 45: Remember your journey full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/f6ab74d6-a9e9-344d-b0fa-d31de706aad6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb424571 God, as we've seen, is bringing a lawsuit against his people, and the verdict is not in question. But the case against Judah is not given in terms of a list of accusations: it's an almost tender reminder of God's faithfulness to them throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

]]> God, as we've seen, is bringing a lawsuit against his people, and the verdict is not in question. But the case against Judah is not given in terms of a list of accusations: it's an almost tender reminder of God's faithfulness to them throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

]]> Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:23:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 310 God, as we've seen, is bringing a lawsuit against his people, and the verdict is not in question. But the case against Judah is not given in terms of a list of accusations: it's an almost tender reminder of God's faithfulness to them throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. God, as we've seen, is bringing a lawsuit against his people, and the verdict is not in question. But the case against Judah is not given in terms of a list of accusations: it's an almost tender reminder of God's faithfulness to them throughout their jour No Episode 46: Broken promises 46 46 Episode 46: Broken promises full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/a138ab61-3d68-33a3-8390-74f68c873ba2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9acd9009 The oracle in Micah 6, in which God brings a lawsuit against his people, mentions two people who otherwise would be bit players in the Old Testament drama: "Balak, king of Moab" and "Balaam, son of Beor." Why these two men? It may be an echo of the story of Joshua--and a poignant reminder of how the people had promised to be faithful before.

]]> The oracle in Micah 6, in which God brings a lawsuit against his people, mentions two people who otherwise would be bit players in the Old Testament drama: "Balak, king of Moab" and "Balaam, son of Beor." Why these two men? It may be an echo of the story of Joshua--and a poignant reminder of how the people had promised to be faithful before.

]]> Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:26:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 398 The oracle in Micah 6, in which God brings a lawsuit against his people, mentions two people who otherwise would be bit players in the Old Testament drama: "Balak, king of Moab" and "Balaam, son of Beor." Why these two men? It may be an echo of the story of Joshua--and a poignant reminder of how the people had promised to be faithful before. The oracle in Micah 6, in which God brings a lawsuit against his people, mentions two people who otherwise would be bit players in the Old Testament drama: "Balak, king of Moab" and "Balaam, son of Beor." Why these two men? It may be an echo of the story No Episode 47: Going through the motions? 47 47 Episode 47: Going through the motions? full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/058b1e5e-d995-3660-971c-780cefc53ac0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c73e088d In Micah 6:6-7, the people seem to give a response to the lawsuit. The language seems respectful, even worshipful: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God?" But there's reason to believe that this display of piety isn't sincere...

]]> In Micah 6:6-7, the people seem to give a response to the lawsuit. The language seems respectful, even worshipful: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God?" But there's reason to believe that this display of piety isn't sincere...

]]> Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:31:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 425 In Micah 6:6-7, the people seem to give a response to the lawsuit. The language seems respectful, even worshipful: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God?" But there's reason to believe that this display of piety isn't sincere... In Micah 6:6-7, the people seem to give a response to the lawsuit. The language seems respectful, even worshipful: "With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God?" But there's reason to believe that this display of piety isn't No Episode 48: The life we’re meant to live 48 48 Episode 48: The life we’re meant to live full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/532cca8a-6a82-34ff-9c46-216a72b004d4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e7d71db We come now to what may be the best known verse in the book, Micah 6:8, which summarizes in a nutshell how a life of true righteousness should look. It will take a few episodes to unpack its implications...

]]> We come now to what may be the best known verse in the book, Micah 6:8, which summarizes in a nutshell how a life of true righteousness should look. It will take a few episodes to unpack its implications...

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:34:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 349 We come now to what may be the best known verse in the book, Micah 6:8, which summarizes in a nutshell how a life of true righteousness should look. It will take a few episodes to unpack its implications... We come now to what may be the best known verse in the book, Micah 6:8, which summarizes in a nutshell how a life of true righteousness should look. It will take a few episodes to unpack its implications... No Episode 49: Behavior and character 49 49 Episode 49: Behavior and character full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/b0eeb5fd-90cf-31f6-9bcf-f7d54e00b7f5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e6d2e66e Jesus often accused the Pharisees of hypocrisy. Though they excelled at following the rules of religious piety, they lacked the godly character that should have gone with the behavior. This is, in part, the lesson of Micah 6:8...

]]> Jesus often accused the Pharisees of hypocrisy. Though they excelled at following the rules of religious piety, they lacked the godly character that should have gone with the behavior. This is, in part, the lesson of Micah 6:8...

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:37:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 399 Jesus often accused the Pharisees of hypocrisy. Though they excelled at following the rules of religious piety, they lacked the godly character that should have gone with the behavior. This is, in part, the lesson of Micah 6:8... Jesus often accused the Pharisees of hypocrisy. Though they excelled at following the rules of religious piety, they lacked the godly character that should have gone with the behavior. This is, in part, the lesson of Micah 6:8... No Episode 50: ”Fake it till you make it”? 50 50 Episode 50: ”Fake it till you make it”? full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/043524f8-0884-301e-8bfe-4ae13d4b4721 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ce14323 At some point, most people find themselves having to do something they don't know how to do. Should they "fake it till they make it"? When it comes to the Christian life, the answer is...yes and no. We'll dip into virtue theory briefly to see why this is so.

]]> At some point, most people find themselves having to do something they don't know how to do. Should they "fake it till they make it"? When it comes to the Christian life, the answer is...yes and no. We'll dip into virtue theory briefly to see why this is so.

]]> Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:40:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 492 At some point, most people find themselves having to do something they don't know how to do. Should they "fake it till they make it"? When it comes to the Christian life, the answer is...yes and no. We'll dip into virtue theory briefly to see why this is so. At some point, most people find themselves having to do something they don't know how to do. Should they "fake it till they make it"? When it comes to the Christian life, the answer is...yes and no. We'll dip into virtue theory briefly to see why this is No Episode 51: God is calling 51 51 Episode 51: God is calling full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/e8514743-6bab-3ec5-a4ed-e0be81e1b997 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d425aaca As we've seen, God doesn't want mere religious behavior from his people, no matter how impressive; he wants people of righteous character. In Micah 6:9, God calls to the people. It's a wake up call; will anyone listen?

]]> As we've seen, God doesn't want mere religious behavior from his people, no matter how impressive; he wants people of righteous character. In Micah 6:9, God calls to the people. It's a wake up call; will anyone listen?

]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:44:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 352 As we've seen, God doesn't want mere religious behavior from his people, no matter how impressive; he wants people of righteous character. In Micah 6:9, God calls to the people. It's a wake up call; will anyone listen? As we've seen, God doesn't want mere religious behavior from his people, no matter how impressive; he wants people of righteous character. In Micah 6:9, God calls to the people. It's a wake up call; will anyone listen? No Episode 52: Doing dishonest business 52 52 Episode 52: Doing dishonest business full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/f789814e-6c67-3bdd-80ee-a29b1e19814a https://share.transistor.fm/s/878606c2 More words of condemnation: the people are accused of unethical business practices and other forms of wrongdoing, taking advantage of the poor and powerless...

]]> More words of condemnation: the people are accused of unethical business practices and other forms of wrongdoing, taking advantage of the poor and powerless...

]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:48:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 348 More words of condemnation: the people are accused of unethical business practices and other forms of wrongdoing, taking advantage of the poor and powerless... More words of condemnation: the people are accused of unethical business practices and other forms of wrongdoing, taking advantage of the poor and powerless... No Episode 53: The curse of futility 53 53 Episode 53: The curse of futility full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/c4950363-e329-388d-a77c-a1f33ed3c42e https://share.transistor.fm/s/82978713 From the beginning of chapter 6, God has been bringing a lawsuit against his people. Now, in verses 13 to 15, we have the verdict--which is phrased in a way that runs opposite to ancient promises of blessing.

]]> From the beginning of chapter 6, God has been bringing a lawsuit against his people. Now, in verses 13 to 15, we have the verdict--which is phrased in a way that runs opposite to ancient promises of blessing.

]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:51:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 412 From the beginning of chapter 6, God has been bringing a lawsuit against his people. Now, in verses 13 to 15, we have the verdict--which is phrased in a way that runs opposite to ancient promises of blessing. From the beginning of chapter 6, God has been bringing a lawsuit against his people. Now, in verses 13 to 15, we have the verdict--which is phrased in a way that runs opposite to ancient promises of blessing. No Episode 54: Momentum 54 54 Episode 54: Momentum full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/821af21c-57a5-383a-896b-7a7725dc7a0d https://share.transistor.fm/s/19d94543 If you took physics in school, you may remember the idea of momentum: once something is in motion, it will stay that way until some other force intervenes. But momentum isn't just about things like billiard balls: it can be about kingdoms. Once corruption takes hold, it keeps going, until...

]]> If you took physics in school, you may remember the idea of momentum: once something is in motion, it will stay that way until some other force intervenes. But momentum isn't just about things like billiard balls: it can be about kingdoms. Once corruption takes hold, it keeps going, until...

]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:14:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 396 If you took physics in school, you may remember the idea of momentum: once something is in motion, it will stay that way until some other force intervenes. But momentum isn't just about things like billiard balls: it can be about kingdoms. Once corruption takes hold, it keeps going, until... If you took physics in school, you may remember the idea of momentum: once something is in motion, it will stay that way until some other force intervenes. But momentum isn't just about things like billiard balls: it can be about kingdoms. Once corruption No Episode 55: Where’s the fruit? 55 55 Episode 55: Where’s the fruit? full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/1b85fcae-f40a-34f6-980b-62f17039f0ac https://share.transistor.fm/s/168a9d5d To me, one of the oddest stories in the New Testament is that of Jesus cursing a fig tree. What did the fig tree to deserve it? But the story makes more sense against the background of God's anger at his people for not producing proper fruit, as we can see from the book of Micah.

]]> To me, one of the oddest stories in the New Testament is that of Jesus cursing a fig tree. What did the fig tree to deserve it? But the story makes more sense against the background of God's anger at his people for not producing proper fruit, as we can see from the book of Micah.

]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:20:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 414 To me, one of the oddest stories in the New Testament is that of Jesus cursing a fig tree. What did the fig tree to deserve it? But the story makes more sense against the background of God's anger at his people for not producing proper fruit, as we can see from the book of Micah. To me, one of the oddest stories in the New Testament is that of Jesus cursing a fig tree. What did the fig tree to deserve it? But the story makes more sense against the background of God's anger at his people for not producing proper fruit, as we can se No Episode 56: Their best is the worst 56 56 Episode 56: Their best is the worst full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/0c557006-91a7-3734-8617-56cd51de10d3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/82200659 The 16th century Italian statesman Machiavelli has the dubious honor of having a personality trait named after him: Machiavellianism. It describes someone who is manipulative and unafraid to use power to achieve selfish ends. But Micah's words suggest that this would describe the leadership of Judah.

]]> The 16th century Italian statesman Machiavelli has the dubious honor of having a personality trait named after him: Machiavellianism. It describes someone who is manipulative and unafraid to use power to achieve selfish ends. But Micah's words suggest that this would describe the leadership of Judah.

]]> Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:23:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 398 The 16th century Italian statesman Machiavelli has the dubious honor of having a personality trait named after him: Machiavellianism. It describes someone who is manipulative and unafraid to use power to achieve selfish ends. But Micah's words suggest that this would describe the leadership of Judah. The 16th century Italian statesman Machiavelli has the dubious honor of having a personality trait named after him: Machiavellianism. It describes someone who is manipulative and unafraid to use power to achieve selfish ends. But Micah's words suggest tha No Episode 57: Unraveling 57 57 Episode 57: Unraveling full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/4d4e33d5-094b-32fc-b88a-aaec932d354e https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff66a90c It's bad enough that Judah's leaders have become corrupt. But worse, under their leadership, the entire moral fabric of the kingdom has unraveled. Micah gives a gloomy portrait of the nation, in which no one can trust anyone else.

]]> It's bad enough that Judah's leaders have become corrupt. But worse, under their leadership, the entire moral fabric of the kingdom has unraveled. Micah gives a gloomy portrait of the nation, in which no one can trust anyone else.

]]> Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:28:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 406 It's bad enough that Judah's leaders have become corrupt. But worse, under their leadership, the entire moral fabric of the kingdom has unraveled. Micah gives a gloomy portrait of the nation, in which no one can trust anyone else. It's bad enough that Judah's leaders have become corrupt. But worse, under their leadership, the entire moral fabric of the kingdom has unraveled. Micah gives a gloomy portrait of the nation, in which no one can trust anyone else. No Episode 58: Watching and waiting 58 58 Episode 58: Watching and waiting full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/56c986fb-6762-3f80-b2fc-18aba670800b https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0e9308e Is hope possible when the situation is so dire, when the entire nation of Judah has collapsed morally? Despite the dreary portrait Micah paints, he still watches and waits for vindication from God.

]]> Is hope possible when the situation is so dire, when the entire nation of Judah has collapsed morally? Despite the dreary portrait Micah paints, he still watches and waits for vindication from God.

]]> Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:31:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 376 Is hope possible when the situation is so dire, when the entire nation of Judah has collapsed morally? Despite the dreary portrait Micah paints, he still watches and waits for vindication from God. Is hope possible when the situation is so dire, when the entire nation of Judah has collapsed morally? Despite the dreary portrait Micah paints, he still watches and waits for vindication from God. No Episode 59: The great reversal 59 59 Episode 59: The great reversal full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/93e81bc3-2481-387c-b013-cb29f8e5f7b5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba6aa4e2 We tend to think of tragedies and comedies as sad and funny respectively. And they often are. But in a classical sense, what makes a story a comedy is that there is a reversal of fortune, where a bad situation turns around. And in the final chapter of Micah, even with all the doom and gloom, the prophet still looks for an ultimate reversal of fortune for God's people.

]]> We tend to think of tragedies and comedies as sad and funny respectively. And they often are. But in a classical sense, what makes a story a comedy is that there is a reversal of fortune, where a bad situation turns around. And in the final chapter of Micah, even with all the doom and gloom, the prophet still looks for an ultimate reversal of fortune for God's people.

]]> Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:33:00 -0400 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 385 We tend to think of tragedies and comedies as sad and funny respectively. And they often are. But in a classical sense, what makes a story a comedy is that there is a reversal of fortune, where a bad situation turns around. And in the final chapter of Micah, even with all the doom and gloom, the prophet still looks for an ultimate reversal of fortune for God's people. We tend to think of tragedies and comedies as sad and funny respectively. And they often are. But in a classical sense, what makes a story a comedy is that there is a reversal of fortune, where a bad situation turns around. And in the final chapter of Mic No Episode 60: Waitpower 60 60 Episode 60: Waitpower full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/d8ec6ee4-c526-36c9-b866-53d0b46551f7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/26a8902f What is hope? In one well-known description, a researcher describes it as "the will and the ways": a hopeful person is motivated to make something happen and can see a way to do it. Christian psychologist Everett Worthington calls these "willpower" and "waypower," and adds a third element: waitpower. Even if we possess the other two, can we truly have hope if we can't wait patiently for change to happen?

]]> What is hope? In one well-known description, a researcher describes it as "the will and the ways": a hopeful person is motivated to make something happen and can see a way to do it. Christian psychologist Everett Worthington calls these "willpower" and "waypower," and adds a third element: waitpower. Even if we possess the other two, can we truly have hope if we can't wait patiently for change to happen?

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:37:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 398 What is hope? In one well-known description, a researcher describes it as "the will and the ways": a hopeful person is motivated to make something happen and can see a way to do it. Christian psychologist Everett Worthington calls these "willpower" and "waypower," and adds a third element: waitpower. Even if we possess the other two, can we truly have hope if we can't wait patiently for change to happen? What is hope? In one well-known description, a researcher describes it as "the will and the ways": a hopeful person is motivated to make something happen and can see a way to do it. Christian psychologist Everett Worthington calls these "willpower" and "w No Episode 61: Falling, rising...and more 61 61 Episode 61: Falling, rising...and more full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/46566d76-c2e7-331a-bc61-1d8e153f08c8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/852f0488 Back in chapter 4, we heard Micah's prediction of a blessed future for Jerusalem. Something similar is said in chapter 7. Destruction will not be the end of the story...

]]> Back in chapter 4, we heard Micah's prediction of a blessed future for Jerusalem. Something similar is said in chapter 7. Destruction will not be the end of the story...

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:42:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 418 Back in chapter 4, we heard Micah's prediction of a blessed future for Jerusalem. Something similar is said in chapter 7. Destruction will not be the end of the story... Back in chapter 4, we heard Micah's prediction of a blessed future for Jerusalem. Something similar is said in chapter 7. Destruction will not be the end of the story... No Episode 62: Shepherd your people 62 62 Episode 62: Shepherd your people full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/1a7fd244-ee9f-3a9b-b126-840b6d66d0bd https://share.transistor.fm/s/11f0c6a4 We've seen Micah use the metaphor of shepherd and sheep to describe God's relationship as king to his people. This is renewed in chapter 7, in a beautiful and hopeful picture of God's people returning to the lush pasturelands of their past...

]]> We've seen Micah use the metaphor of shepherd and sheep to describe God's relationship as king to his people. This is renewed in chapter 7, in a beautiful and hopeful picture of God's people returning to the lush pasturelands of their past...

]]> Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:44:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 386 We've seen Micah use the metaphor of shepherd and sheep to describe God's relationship as king to his people. This is renewed in chapter 7, in a beautiful and hopeful picture of God's people returning to the lush pasturelands of their past... We've seen Micah use the metaphor of shepherd and sheep to describe God's relationship as king to his people. This is renewed in chapter 7, in a beautiful and hopeful picture of God's people returning to the lush pasturelands of their past... No Episode 63: The fear of God 63 63 Episode 63: The fear of God full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/5c4b165c-d958-3f5d-8387-57f40acfece3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e5df4fc8 Much of what Micah says presupposes that in their greed and wickedness, the people of Judah and Jerusalem have ceased to fear God as they should. By contrast, in chapter 7, the prophet envisions other nations coming to fear God, and by extension, his people. But we have to be careful here: the assumption is that the people have repented, and have returned to a proper fear of God themselves.

]]> Much of what Micah says presupposes that in their greed and wickedness, the people of Judah and Jerusalem have ceased to fear God as they should. By contrast, in chapter 7, the prophet envisions other nations coming to fear God, and by extension, his people. But we have to be careful here: the assumption is that the people have repented, and have returned to a proper fear of God themselves.

]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:48:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 388 Much of what Micah says presupposes that in their greed and wickedness, the people of Judah and Jerusalem have ceased to fear God as they should. By contrast, in chapter 7, the prophet envisions other nations coming to fear God, and by extension, his people. But we have to be careful here: the assumption is that the people have repented, and have returned to a proper fear of God themselves. Much of what Micah says presupposes that in their greed and wickedness, the people of Judah and Jerusalem have ceased to fear God as they should. By contrast, in chapter 7, the prophet envisions other nations coming to fear God, and by extension, his peop No Episode 64: Who is a God like you? 64 64 Episode 64: Who is a God like you? full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/6d8ba207-5586-3ad3-87e0-23c1d644dbb7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f84573ca The book of Micah ends with a beautiful and worshipful prayer from the prophet, one in which the people hopefully joined. The prayer seems to echo words spoken by God to Moses long ago; even if God punishes sin, he also abounds in mercy and forgiveness.

]]> The book of Micah ends with a beautiful and worshipful prayer from the prophet, one in which the people hopefully joined. The prayer seems to echo words spoken by God to Moses long ago; even if God punishes sin, he also abounds in mercy and forgiveness.

]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:52:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 447 The book of Micah ends with a beautiful and worshipful prayer from the prophet, one in which the people hopefully joined. The prayer seems to echo words spoken by God to Moses long ago; even if God punishes sin, he also abounds in mercy and forgiveness. The book of Micah ends with a beautiful and worshipful prayer from the prophet, one in which the people hopefully joined. The prayer seems to echo words spoken by God to Moses long ago; even if God punishes sin, he also abounds in mercy and forgiveness. No Episode 65: Putting the kibosh on guilt 65 65 Episode 65: Putting the kibosh on guilt full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/b8128228-3a45-3cf3-a3ac-80d133ed350c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7793bf0f No one knows for certain the origin of the phrase "to put the kibosh on" something. But my own theory is that it comes to us from Yiddish, and is related to a Hebrew word that Micah uses to describe what a gracious God does to the guilt we incur from our sin.

]]> No one knows for certain the origin of the phrase "to put the kibosh on" something. But my own theory is that it comes to us from Yiddish, and is related to a Hebrew word that Micah uses to describe what a gracious God does to the guilt we incur from our sin.

]]> Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:55:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 400 No one knows for certain the origin of the phrase "to put the kibosh on" something. But my own theory is that it comes to us from Yiddish, and is related to a Hebrew word that Micah uses to describe what a gracious God does to the guilt we incur from our sin. No one knows for certain the origin of the phrase "to put the kibosh on" something. But my own theory is that it comes to us from Yiddish, and is related to a Hebrew word that Micah uses to describe what a gracious God does to the guilt we incur from our No Episode 66: Traveling through time 66 66 Episode 66: Traveling through time full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/57434f1b-5d75-3676-ba1f-61670d5f22f7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e6e258f4 Our memories of the past shape how we see the present and the future. Because of this, we are all in a sense "time-travelers." This kind of imagination is crucial to hope, and it's the note on which the book ends: the prophet's hope for the future is grounded in his memory of God's past faithfulness.

]]> Our memories of the past shape how we see the present and the future. Because of this, we are all in a sense "time-travelers." This kind of imagination is crucial to hope, and it's the note on which the book ends: the prophet's hope for the future is grounded in his memory of God's past faithfulness.

]]> Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:58:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 422 Our memories of the past shape how we see the present and the future. Because of this, we are all in a sense "time-travelers." This kind of imagination is crucial to hope, and it's the note on which the book ends: the prophet's hope for the future is grounded in his memory of God's past faithfulness. Our memories of the past shape how we see the present and the future. Because of this, we are all in a sense "time-travelers." This kind of imagination is crucial to hope, and it's the note on which the book ends: the prophet's hope for the future is grou No Episode 67: Covenant, old and new 67 67 Episode 67: Covenant, old and new full chunks2micahheartacheandhope.podbean.com/a956d25d-d44a-3a4f-8e95-4d6343d01404 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2d6dcfd3 In this final episode, I want to add one important qualification to what's been said in this podcast about God's covenant faithfulness. The teaching of the New Testament is that God initiated a new covenant in Jesus. Knowing the role of covenant faithfulness in books like Micah helps deepen our understanding and appreciation of this important fact!

]]> In this final episode, I want to add one important qualification to what's been said in this podcast about God's covenant faithfulness. The teaching of the New Testament is that God initiated a new covenant in Jesus. Knowing the role of covenant faithfulness in books like Micah helps deepen our understanding and appreciation of this important fact!

]]> Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0300 chunks2micahheartacheandhope chunks2micahheartacheandhope 560 In this final episode, I want to add one important qualification to what's been said in this podcast about God's covenant faithfulness. The teaching of the New Testament is that God initiated a new covenant in Jesus. Knowing the role of covenant faithfulness in books like Micah helps deepen our understanding and appreciation of this important fact! In this final episode, I want to add one important qualification to what's been said in this podcast about God's covenant faithfulness. The teaching of the New Testament is that God initiated a new covenant in Jesus. Knowing the role of covenant faithfuln No