Read To Me Daily Semester 4Sample

MICAH 1-2:
The name “Micah” is a shortened form of “Micaiah,” which means, “Who is like Yahweh?” A different Micaiah, the son of Imlah, served as a prophet in the Northern Kingdom during the reign of King Ahab of Israel (874-853 B.C., 1Kings 22:8-28; 2Chron. 18:3-27). 

Micah prophesied during the reigns of the Judean kings Jotham (750-732 B.C.), Ahaz (732-715 B.C.), and Hezekiah (715-686 B.C.). This makes him a late eighth-century contemporary of Isaiah. While Isaiah was ministering in Jerusalem, perhaps Micah was more of a country prophet. Amos and Hosea were preaching at the same time in the Northern Kingdom. Micah’s message is similar to that of Amos, and Micah spoke at a time when conditions in Judah were much like those in the Northern Kingdom while Amos was preaching. Both prophets denounced social sins and the unfair treatment of the poor by the rich. The Northern Kingdom was taken into captivity during Micah’s lifetime— fulfilling Amos’ prophecies.

Micah contains three notable passages about Christ: 

• Bethlehem will produce the ultimate Ruler (5:2)— the information quoted to Herod in Mat. 2.
• Christ will be the King (2:12-13)
• Christ will reign in righteousness over the whole earth (4:1,7-8)

ISAIAH 50:
As we heard yesterday, Isaiah 49 includes these words that are quoted in 2Cor 6:2:

Is. 49:8 NLT “At just the right time, I will respond to you.
On the day of salvation I will help you.

And these next words are frequently repeated by the Lord elsewhere, therefore, IMPORTANT:

Is. 49:23b NLT Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Those who trust in me will never be put to shame.”

REVELATION 3a:
The churches of Pergamum and Thyatira (in chapter 2 of Revelation) were enduring persecution and remaining loyal to Jesus. But both were allowing the corruption of false teaching that promoted adultery and idolatry. Jesus warned of severe punishments including death for those who failed to repent, and also wonderful promises to those who are victorious. I especially love the last promise to the church in Pergamum because it shows how intimately Jesus knows us and how his rewards will be appropriate for each of us:

Rev. 2:17b NLT And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.

Let’s pray.
Lord Jesus, we praise You as the One who wields the sharpest two-edged sword— which is the words that come out of your mouth. We praise You for seeing into every dark corner and even knowing all our thoughts. You see every detail in us. And your feet shine like polished brass. You are glorious in your power. You know, Lord, that we live where Satan has his throne. So help us to wear our spiritual armor and beware of Satan’s tactics to lead us into sexual immorality and worshiping idols. Keep us away from modern forms of Christianity that water down your Word in order to appeal to people who don’t believe in the truth. Especially, I think the Jezebel figure would say, “Avoid other sins, but committing adultery is OK. After all God said we must love each other.” Lord, keep us from the false teaching that says, “It doesn’t matter if we sin now, because Jesus will forgive us.” Keep us from people who think they possess secret hidden information from God, when it is actually from Satan. So help us to hold firmly to what we have, and that is your Word. Because, Lord, we want to reign in victory with You. We want to be given the privilege of eating that hidden manna. And we each would love to receive a white stone with a meaningful name that You have chosen specially for each of us.