One day things will be made right. It all begins with Christ and His ministry of truth and grace. Micah looks forward to the reign of the Messiah at Jerusalem.
Micah 4: The Mountain of the LORD
1 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it,
2 and many nations shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
3 He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore;
4 but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.
5 For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
The LORD Shall Rescue Zion
6 In that day, declares the LORD, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted;
7 and the lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from this time forth and forevermore.
8 And you, O tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, the former dominion shall come, kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem.
9 Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counsellor perished, that pain seized you like a woman in labour?
10 Writhe and groan, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in labour, for now you shall go out from the city and dwell in the open country; you shall go to Babylon. There you shall be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.
11 Now many nations are assembled against you, saying, "Let her be defiled, and let our eyes gaze upon Zion."
12 But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor.
13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples; and shall devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth.
Things to think about…
1. Micah 4:1-4 is prophetic for the future from Micah’s point of view looking to Christ, but also prophetic from our point of view looking at the land of Israel and the peace that will eventually come to this land. We know in the Millennium (Rev 20:1-4) that the nations will not be deceived anymore. They will go up to Jerusalem, the mountain of the Lord and they will be taught His ways and bring Him glory, Mic 4:2. Christ has come and He brings peace, but nations are still at war, especially in the Middle East and Europe. Jerusalem is still not a city of complete peace, so this must be future from our position in history as well. It is interesting that the United Nations have vs 3 (also Isaiah 2:3,4) as part of a sculpture on their building headquarters site in New York. Sadly many of their policies are antichrist. The United Nations have proven they cannot bring peace on earth. Earthly and eternal peace are only found in Christ alone, the Prince of peace.
2. Micah 4:6&7 look forward to the ministry of Christ on earth in His complete ministry, this includes His first and second advents. Christ healed the lame, vs 6 when He walked the earth, but is yet to reign in Mt Zion forevermore, vs 7. This will happen in two stages. The first with the setting up of the Millennial kingdom, Rev 20 and then secondly when the New Jerusalem shall descend from heaven, the bride, the Lamb’s wife where Christ will dwell forever, Rev 21 in the New Heavens and New Earth.
3. Look at Mic 4:10. It says they will go to Babylon – to captivity. Remember Micah is writing in the early 8th Century BC. The Babylonian captivity did not happen until the 6th Century BC almost 150 years later. The Lord’s word will be fulfilled. Someone once said that the mill of God turns slowly, but it grinds exceedingly fine. This is true. The Lord’s timing is perfect. DO you struggle with the Lord’s plans in your life? Fortunately we serve a God who is slow to anger, but quick in mercy.
4. The enemies of the Lord do not understand that even when they are used to judge His people that they themselves will also be judged, Mic 4:12&13. The Lord will open the eyes of the Jewish people, they will embrace Christ and He will fight for them to bring 1000 years of peace over Israel and fulfil many of the OT prophesies including these found in Micah. God does all things for the good of His people and the glory of His name. Rejoice in His sovereign will for your life.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer points
1. Pray for the church in Australia that it focuses on Christ, His Word and holiness.
2. Pray for our leaders in Australia that they press in closer to Christ.
3. Pray for the people of Iran that they finally get their freedom from an oppressive regime
4. The Royal Commission that the Jewish people will feel safe in Australia.
5. One for Israel ministry.
6. Conflict zones – especially within Africa (Nigerian Christians murdered this week), Israel, Iran and Ukraine
7. Pray for new people to step into ministries at CBC – eg worship, café, sound/technical, giving, podcast.
8. Reform and Revival over our city and country.
9. Finances to cover our needs
10. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for Doug’s message on Micah and the Lord’s blessing over our service on Sunday
2. Praise God for ministries – Life Groups, Prayer meetings, Kids@Church
3. Café team every week. Thankyou to all those who serve and bring food. Especially Fiona, Maddie and Suzy.
4. Worship, Admin and Technical teams – Nita, Brendon, AJ, Suzy, Maddie, Mathys, Doug.
5. Kids Church teachers – Jacqueline, Maddie, Elise, Anastacia and Fiona
6. The Lord’s faithfulness this year to CBC and all who have served in ministries
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Prayer meeting Wed 5:30pm at church
2. All Life Groups are back.
3. Kids@Church has started back
4. Members Meeting – After church on Sunday 22nd Feb
5. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
6. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 5. Did our Lord Jesus Christ ever sin? A. No; he was holy, blameless, and undefiled.
