Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 17, 2025
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Micah 5-6. These chapters cover a layered prophecy blending immediate historical context with future hope: while Assyria besieges Jerusalem, Micah foretells a coming ruler from Bethlehem—a shepherd-king who will bring peace and reign globally, which the New Testament identifies as Jesus. God promises to cut off worldly dependencies—military power, idolatry, and injustice—and calls His people to live with justice, kindness, and humility instead.
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Understanding Micah 5-6
As you study Micah chapters 5 and 6, consider the lessons they offer about obedience, suffering, hope, and God’s faithfulness. These chapters remind us that not obeying God led to suffering for the Jews. This raises an important question for personal reflection: Have you ever experienced times of great trials as a direct result of your own choices or disobedience?
Trusting God’s Timing in Deliverance
The deliverance for the Jews did not come immediately; it was delayed according to God’s timing. Similarly, when we pray for God to deliver us or to change our circumstances, sometimes His answer does not come as quickly as we would like. During these periods, do you find yourself losing confidence in God, or do you continue to trust that He will fulfill His promises in His own perfect timing?
Holding onto Hope
God’s promise in these chapters is one of hope and encouragement. Reflect on whether you have ever experienced, or are currently experiencing, a time when you are losing hope. If so, what are the reasons behind these feelings? Remember that God’s message through Micah was meant to encourage and uplift, even in difficult times.
The Power of Prayer and Surrender
If you desire freedom from sin, evil, and the attacks of the enemy, the call is clear: PRAY! Bring your struggles before God, asking Him to defeat the giants in your life and surrender fully to Him. Consider when the last time was you earnestly prayed and sought God’s deliverance from sin or the enemy’s attacks. Let today be the day you turn to Him in sincere repentance and prayer.
Addressing Feelings of Disappointment
There may be times when you feel that God has failed you. If so, reflect on the specific ways you believe this has happened. Remember, the truth is that God never fails. He is always on time, His ways are higher than ours, and He is at work even when we cannot see or feel it. Be honest with God and share your struggles with Him, knowing He understands and cares about your pain.
Freedom from Feelings of Failure
Are you troubled by feelings of failure or the belief that you have failed God? Do you think you need to do more good works for God to love you? Micah 6:8 provides the answer: God loves you and simply wants you to return to Him with all that you are and have. There is no need to earn His love—it is already freely given. (Please see Marshall’s conclusion notes for additional insight.)
Final Encouragement
Remember, God loves you! Return to Him, repent, and keep moving forward in faith. March on with the assurance of His love and blessings in your life.