Godchaser Podcast
Join Evan Evans on The God Chaser Podcast, a weekly exploration of faith, spirituality, and personal growth centered on Jesus Christ. Evan, a devoted believer and captivating host guides listeners through engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions that deepen their understanding of Christ and His teachings.
We delve into topics such as Christ's teachings, the power of prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of community in spiritual growth. The God Chaser Podcast aims to inspire and challenge listeners, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to live a more fulfilling, Christ-centered life.
Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning your faith journey, The God Chaser Podcast with Evan Evans supports and nourishes your spiritual growth. Subscribe to Apple Podcasts and join us each week as we chase after the heart of Jesus, embracing the transformative power of His love and grace.
Godchaser Podcast
Justice and Mercy: Finding Jesus in Micah's Prophecy
Have you ever wondered if there's more to Micah than that famous Christmas verse about Bethlehem? The answer is a resounding yes!
In this revealing episode of the God Chaser podcast, we unpack how this country prophet's message powerfully illuminates Jesus on every page. Micah spoke during a turbulent era remarkably similar to our own - facing political instability, economic inequality, religious corruption, and social breakdown. Yet within this chaos, he articulated a vision of hope centered on the coming Messiah.
We explore Micah's most profound insights: his precise prophecy about Christ's birthplace in insignificant Bethlehem, his revolutionary distillation of true religion into "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God," and his promise of a shepherd king whose reign brings lasting peace. These themes perfectly foreshadow Jesus, who embodied justice and mercy while challenging corrupt systems and offering hope to the marginalized.
The episode also addresses how Micah speaks directly to our modern struggles - religious burnout, systemic injustice, and the search for authentic faith amid hypocrisy. You'll discover why God specializes in working through small beginnings and ordinary people, just as he did with Bethlehem. Most importantly, you'll see how Micah's vision of God hurling our sins "into the depths of the sea" beautifully anticipates Christ's complete forgiveness on the cross.
Whether you're wrestling with how to balance justice and mercy in your relationships or seeking hope in dark times, Micah's Christ-centered message offers a transformative path forward. Subscribe to the God Chaser podcast and join us as we continue finding Jesus in every story of Scripture.
Keep chasing after God
Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, where we pursue the heart of God and explore the depths of His wisdom. I'm your host, evan Evans. Welcome to the God Chaser podcast. I'm your host, Evan Evans, and today we're continuing our journey of discovering Jesus in every story of Scripture. Last week we explored Jonah's reluctant mission and how his three days in the fish pointed to Christ's death and resurrection Christ's death and resurrection. Today we're turning to a prophet whose words echo through the Christmas story, but whose message goes far beyond that one famous verse about Bethlehem. We're diving into Micah, a country prophet who spoke truth to power and whose vision of justice, mercy and hope reveals Jesus in powerful ways.
Speaker 1:In this episode we'll explore how Micah's famous prophecy about Bethlehem precisely foretold where Jesus would be born. What act justly love, mercy and walk humbly teaches us about Christ's character. Why Micah's critique of religious hypocrisy mirrors Jesus' confrontations with the Pharisees. How the promise of a shepherd king points directly to Jesus what it means that he will be our peace in a world of conflict. Whether you're struggling with religious burnout, wondering how to live faithfully in turbulent times or trying to balance justice and mercy in your relationships, micah's message speaks directly to where you are today. The God Chaser podcast is committed to helping you see Jesus on every page of scripture and understand what that means for your everyday life and relationships. This is Evan Evans and you're listening to episode 20,. This is Evan Evans and you're listening to Episode 20, finding Jesus in Micah's Prophecy Justice, mercy and the Promised King.
Speaker 2:Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, the ultimate destination for those yearning to cultivate a passionate, intimate relationship with God. Join your host, Evan Evans, as he explores the depths of scripture, shares inspiring testimonies and provides practical guidance to help you become a true God Chaser, Discover the transformative power of pursuing God's presence and be inspired to reignite your spiritual journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on an adventure that will change your life forever. Welcome to the God Chaser podcast. Let the chase begin.
Speaker 1:Today we're diving into the words of a prophet many of us know for just one famous verse, but whose message speaks powerfully to our lives and reveals Jesus throughout. I'm talking about Micah. If you've ever heard a Christmas reading or seen a nativity pageant, you've probably heard Micah, chapter 5, verse 2. But you, bethlehem, ephrathah though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. That prophecy about Jesus' birthplace is quoted directly in Matthew, chapter 2. But there's so much more to Micah than this one verse. His message about justice, mercy and hope in dark times speaks directly to where many of us find ourselves today. So who was Micah? He tells us in the opening verse, ourselves today. So who was Micah? He tells us in the opening verse, the word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth during the reigns of Jotham, ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Speaker 1:Micah, chapter 1, verse 1. Micah was from Moresheth, a small town about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem. He wasn't from the capital city. He wasn't from a wealthy family. He was a country prophet speaking truth to power and the timing matters. He prophesied during the reigns of three kings of Judah spanning roughly 750 to 700 BC. This was right when the northern kingdom of Israel was falling to Assyria. It was a time of national crisis, moral decay and spiritual confusion, not unlike our own times.
Speaker 1:What strikes me most about Micah is how he combines fierce denunciation of injustice with tender promises of restoration. In one breath he condemns corrupt leaders. In the next he offers hope through the coming Messiah. Let's start with Micah's message of judgment. Chapter 3, verses 9 to 11, gives us a sample. Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right, who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Micah saw a society where leaders used position for personal gain, justice was for sale to the highest bidder, religious figures became wealthy while the poor suffered. Everyone claimed to follow God while ignoring his commands. Sound familiar. We see the same patterns in our world today Corruption in high places, justice systems that favor the wealthy, religious hypocrisy and a gap between what we say, we believe and how we live.
Speaker 1:But Micah doesn't just point out problems. He shows what God requires instead, in what might be the most famous verse from Micah, chapter 6, verse 8, he writes he has shown you, o mortal, what is good and what does the Lord require of you To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. I want to pause here because this verse is so crucial. Notice it starts with he has shown you. God doesn't leave us guessing about what he wants. He's made it clear and what does he require? Three things Act justly this means more than just following rules. It means actively creating fairness in your sphere of influence. Love mercy Not just showing mercy, but loving it, finding joy in offering second chances and undeserved kindness. Walk humbly with your God Notice it's with God, not just for Him or about Him A humble, daily companionship. This verse points directly to Jesus, who would embody all three perfectly. He acted justly, challenging corrupt systems. He loved mercy, touching lepers and forgiving sinners, and he walked humbly with God, always doing the Father's will. When Jesus quoted Hosea, saying I desire mercy, not sacrifice Matthew 9, verse 13, he was echoing Micah's emphasis on mercy over empty religious ritual.
Speaker 1:Now let's look at Micah's messianic prophecies, the parts that most directly point to Jesus. The most famous is Micah, chapter 5, verse 2. But you, bethlehem, ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. This prophecy is remarkable in several ways. It names the specific town where Messiah would be born. It contrasts the town's smallness with the ruler's greatness. It declares the eternal nature of this ruler from ancient times. Matthew 2, verses 5-6, quotes this directly. When the Magi ask Herod where the Messiah would be born, the Jewish religious leaders knew exactly where to point to Micah's prophecy about Bethlehem.
Speaker 1:But look at what follows in Micah, chapter 5, verse 4. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord, his God, and they will live securely. For then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. This pictures Jesus as the good shepherd. Jesus would later claim this title explicitly I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John, chapter 10, verse 11. And notice the global scope His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. This isn't just a local ruler for Israel. This is a universal king whose impact will be worldwide. Jesus' final command to his disciples was to go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28, verse 19.
Speaker 1:There's another beautiful prophecy in Micah 7, verses 18 to 19. Who is a God like you who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever, but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us. You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. This pictures what Jesus would accomplish on the cross the complete forgiveness of sins, cast away into the depths of the sea. When Jesus said to the paralyzed man your sins are forgiven. Mark, chapter 2, verse 5, he was fulfilling Micah's vision of a God who delights to show mercy. It's worth noting that Micah's very name is a question who is like God? The answer, of course, is Jesus, the perfect image of the invisible God. Colossians, chapter 1, verse 15.
Speaker 1:But Micah wasn't just predicting a distant Messiah. He was speaking to real people facing real problems. His original audience was experiencing political instability, with Assyria threatening. Economic injustice, with the rich exploiting the poor. Religious corruption, with leaders teaching for profit. Social breakdown, with families divided against each other. Profit Social breakdown, with families divided against each other. In the midst of this, micah offers a message that applies just as much to us today.
Speaker 1:Let me share a few key themes that speak to our current struggles. First, god sees injustice and won't ignore it. Micah, chapter 2, verses 1 to 2, says Woe to those who plan position and privilege to take advantage of others. This matters in our world of growing wealth, inequality, human trafficking and systemic oppression. Jesus showed this same concern when he cleaned out the temple courts where merchants were exploiting worshipers Matthew, chapter 21. Second, god offers hope beyond judgment.
Speaker 1:After pronouncing judgment, micah pivots to hope in chapter 4, verse 1. In the last days, the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains. This vision of people from many nations coming to worship God was partially fulfilled at Pentecost. It continues to be fulfilled as the church grows across every continent. Third, god restores what's broken.
Speaker 1:Micah, chapter 4, verse 6, says In that day, declares the Lord, I will gather the lame, I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. I will make the lame my remnant, those driven away, a strong nation. Notice how God specifically gathers the lame, the exiles, the grieving, the very people society tends to push aside. Jesus demonstrated this same priority the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Matthew, chapter 11, verse 5. Fourth, god establishes peace through the Messiah. Micah, chapter 5, verse 5, says simply and he will be our peace. Paul would later write of Jesus he himself is our peace. Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 14. In a world torn by conflict between nations and communities within families, jesus doesn't just bring peace, he is our peace. Let me share a personal reflection on how Micah has spoken to me.
Speaker 1:A few years ago I was struggling with religious burnout. I was doing all the right religious activities church attendance, bible reading, even leading ministry but feeling spiritually empty. I was going through the motions. Then I read Micah, chapter 6, where God says he's tired of empty sacrifices and religious rituals. What he really wants is justice, mercy and humble walking with him. It was like God was saying I don't want your religious performance, I want your heart engaged in what matters to me. That changed my approach to faith. I started asking different questions. Am I acting justly in my relationships and business dealings? Am I showing mercy to those who've hurt me. Am I walking humbly with God or trying to impress others? Jesus addressed this same issue when he confronted the Pharisees. You give a tenth of your spices, but you have neglected the more important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness.
Speaker 1:Micah also helps us understand how to live faithfully in dark times. His world was falling apart. The northern kingdom was being destroyed and Judah was threatened. Yet he clung to hope. He says in chapter 7, verse 7, but as for me, I watch and hope for the Lord. I wait for God, my Savior. My God will hear me. And in verse 8, though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. This is the resilience Jesus offers us when he told his disciples In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world. John, chapter 16, verse 33. He was offering the same hope Micah clung to.
Speaker 1:Let me share a few ways Micah's message can transform our lives today. First, it calls us to examine systems, not just symptoms. Micah didn't just condemn individual sins. He challenged corrupt systems economic, political, religious. Jesus did the same. This means asking hard questions about the systems we participate in. Do they promote justice or exploitation? Do they create opportunity for all or privilege for few? Second, it invites us to embrace the full package of justice and mercy.
Speaker 1:Some Christians emphasize justice without mercy, becoming harsh and judgmental. Others emphasize mercy without justice, enabling harmful behavior. Micah, like Jesus, calls for both. Third, it reminds us that God works through small places and ordinary people. Bethlehem was small among the clans of Judah, yet God chose it for Messiah's birth. Micah was from a small town, not the religious elite, yet God spoke through him. Jesus was born in a stable and grew up in Nazareth, about which people asked Can anything good come from there? John, chapter 1, verse 46. Fourth, it assures us that God keeps His promises. Micah's prophecy about Bethlehem was fulfilled over 700 years later in exact detail. If God fulfilled that promise, we can trust He'll fulfill all His promises to us.
Speaker 1:As we wrap up our look at Micah, I want to emphasize one final connection to Jesus. In Micah, chapter 2, verse 13, we read the one who breaks open the way will go up before them. They will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them. The Lord at their head, this mysterious figure, the one who breaks open the way points to Jesus, who broke open the way to God. As he said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John, chapter 14, verse 6. Jesus breaks open the way before us through sin, through death, through every barrier that separates us from God and each other, and he goes before us as our king leading the way. Next week, we'll explore the prophet Amos and see how his call for justice reveals Jesus.
Speaker 1:But today, remember what Micah teaches us about Christ. He is the ruler from Bethlehem who was promised long ago. He is the shepherd who leads with strength and majesty. He is the one who delights in showing mercy. He is our peace in troubled times. He is the one who breaks open the way before us. This is Evan Evans, reminding you to keep chasing God's heart Until next time. Remember, in a world that complicates everything, micah simplifies our calling. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. This has been the God Chaser podcast. Join us next week as we continue finding Jesus in every story of the Bible. This episode of the God Chaser podcast is proudly sponsored by God Chaser Apparel, the clothing line designed to empower and inspire your spiritual journey.
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Speaker 1:May you not just chase God but find him in the blessings, big and small, that he has in store for you. And there we have it, folks, another episode of God Chaser wrapped up. We hope you've been blessed by today's discussion and we look forward to diving into more life transforming topics with you in the future. Stay blessed and keep chasing after God.