Micah 5:1-15, NIV
A Promised Ruler From Bethlehem
Obs & Hg:
Prophecy
…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-vs 2.
Punishment detailed vs 10-15
..destroy your witchcraft…destroy your carved images….will no longer bow down to the work of your hands..will uproot..among you your Asherah poles…take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that have not obeyed me-vs 15.
Luke 8:11-14, NIV
The Sower and the seeds explained by Jesus:
1 Along the path. .hear. the devil comes and takes away the words from their hearts…cannot believe and be saved. Emphasis: the heart.
2 On the rock..receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root…believe for a while..time of testing they fall away.
3 Fell among the thorns…hear….choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
4. On good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by pesevering produce a crop-vs 15. Notice the word ‘persevering’.. not easy.
Reflection:
Who are the types of Christians in the world today belong to what type of seeds? Which seed am I?
So many lessons can learn from observations of nature or God creation. Jesus turns them to parables.