July 18

Today's Reading: Micah 1:1-16

Micah was a prophet who ministered at roughly the same time as Isaiah during the 8th century BC in Jerusalem. The northern kingdom of Israel fell during his ministry. He predicted both the exile and the return of the southern kingdom of Judah.

While Isaiah directs most if his prophecies against the leaders, Micah focuses his prophecies on his own people, condemning their idolatry, oppression of the poor, and greed. That is certainly a message that applies to us in 21st century America.