By Sam E. Stone This month our study has focused on the message of another of the minor prophets—Micah. As Allen A. MacRae pointed out, “Micah’s message alternates between oracles of doom and oracles of hope. The theme is judgment and deliverance by God. Micah also stresses that God hates idolatry, injustice, rebellion and empty […]
What the Lord Requires–The Uniform Lesson for July 19, 2015
By Sam E. Stone During the first two weeks of our study of Micah, we have considered chapters 2 and 3. Micah soundly condemned those prophets who were leading the people astray (3:5-7). They were much like the nation’s leaders whom he also condemned. The prophets would say to the people, “Is not the Lord […]
No Tolerance for Corrupt Officials–The Uniform Lesson for July 12, 2015
By Sam E. Stone Micah began his prophecy with a scathing indictment of all who held administrative and judicial positions in the state (chapters 1, 2). These leaders had been placed in authority to serve the people, while in reality they were using their status to rob them (Micah 3:1, 2). The prophet described the […]
God Will Never Forget—The Uniform Lesson for June 28, 2015
By Sam E. Stone This month we have focused attention on Amos, one of the most important of the minor prophets. As James E. Smith pointed out, “The oracle which follows the fourth vision may have been delivered in Judah during a second phase of Amos’s ministry. In any case, these verses contain one of […]
God Is Not Fooled—The Uniform Lesson for June 14, 2015
By Sam E. Stone The exact length of Amos’s ministry is not specified in Scripture. Most Bible scholars agree that it was probably for a short time. Some guess only a half hour, while others think only a few months! James E. Smith suggested, “More likely his ministry extended for a few years. The years […]