The Bible has a unique feature that sets it apart from its contemporaries in ancient literature, in that it tells most of its narrative from the vantage point of poor and oppressed people. That really sets the Bible apart from other ancient documents which largely represent the views and history of the ruling elite.

In our study this Sunday we’ll be continuing through Micah, reading Micah chapter 2.

The first 10 verses of this chapter outline the sins of God’s people, specifically the ruling class who were oppressing common folk by seizing their property. We’ll look at what was happening this Sunday, but suffice it to say, it violated both the 10th commandment as well as other commands from the Torah.

As you read this chapter, how do you imagine God’s attitude toward those who do these things simply because they have the “power to do so”(v7)? Is God in solidarity with the oppressed or the oppressor? We have to realize that oppression still goes on in our world. We sanitize it as best we can, and certainly do our best not to ever talk about it or readily acknowledge the reality of it – but oppression remains a reality in our modern world.

What are our own views on those who are poor or in a weakened position in society? Do we instinctively blame poverty on the individual, or the system, or a little for both? In what ways are those attitudes helpful, and in what ways might they be unfair?

How would you reword v 7 and 11 to represent a challenge to our modern world?

The final verses ring with a hope for the future – a Shepherd who will come and lead us out of exile into a new relationship with God. Who might that Shepherd be, and how can we represent his care in our world today?

This will, again, be a challenging study, but one I believe is well worth it. Hope you can join us this Sunday at 10 AM!

Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.