CHAPTER 4

1 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Along with the prophecy of disciplinary correction because of their disobedience, God also sends prophetic hope for the future. Our existence upon this earth is certainly tied with the HOPE God gives. What do men have, if they have no hope of eternity? Why should I continue to live, if I believed there was nothing after death?

Real Life exists in God's favor and fellowship. Ps 30:5 says, "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

The hope that God expresses here is that SOME generation will see Jerusalem and Judah exalted again. The time is stated as "the latter days." These "latter days" are after the offering of Christ upon the cross, and before the thousand year reign of Christ upon the earth. And certainly, a time similar to that is already here. The nation of Israel is once again the center of activity among all nations today.

However, I believe that Micah's prophesy points to a more specific time in the "latter days" - DURING the millenial reign of Christ upon earth. It is at THAT time that "the Word of the LORD" will issue directly from Jerusalem, because our Lord, Jesus Himself will sit upon the throne there.

And it is at THAT time that the following will happen.

3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. 5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

Our incarnate Lord Himself will "judge among many people." There will be a time of peace that has never been known in the history of this earth.

Take particular note of verse 4. ALL PEOPLE, at that time, will "walk in the name of his god,.."
And "WE will walk in the name of our the Lord our God for ever and ever."

Truly, our existence upon this earth is tied to the HOPE God gives. If we hope in Christ, we have the joy of knowing eternal life! And we LIVE as though that hope is continually IN us.

If people have hope only in a "god," they have no ETERNAL hope. And they LIVE as though this physical life is all there is.

6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; 7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. 8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

According to verses 6 and 7, all those who have trusted Christ and lived in the difficulties of the world, will be joined with Him in joy and peace.

The "tower of the flock" (verse 8) refers to a high tower built for the shepherd to watch over the sheep. "Zion," or Jerusalem was/is that tower for God to watch over His people. Christ, Who is the "Great Shepherd" is indeed the "strong hold of the daughter of Zion."

And the kingdom of David, which was established at the first, will return to HIM (Christ). That kingdom will be extended to "the daughter of Jerusalem." Those who have surrendered to the Lordship of Christ will participate in His millenial kingdom.

9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies. 11 Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. 12 But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

Perhaps the simplest way to put this is: Without a cross there can be no crown!

Suffering comes before deliverance. The prophetic disciplinary judgment delivered by God upon a rebellious people brougth suffering. But their HOPE is in HIM! And, after they have suffered in order to fully receive surrender, then they shall be delivered.

Is it not true with us as Christians today? Does not God leave us, after we surrender to Christ, so that we might suffer awhile upon this earth before eternal deliverance?

Remember Christian, "without a cross there can be no crown!"

So live in HOPE. Live in GOD'S HOPE! Live in the hope He has delivered in Christ and is GOING to deliver in Christ.

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.