Bible Study - Micah 3:5-12 - 10-7-2009

In Micah 3:5-12, the prophet continues his indictment against the leaders of Israel, specifically against the corrupt prophets of Israel who gave prophecies of blessing to those who paid well and prophecies of doom to those who could not pay.  Additionally, the leaders gave judgment for a bribe and the priests taught only for money.  Again, we find Micah preaching against injustice, corruption, wicked rulers oppressing the poor, etc.

In our discussion this morning, we turned first to the news media and press, noting that with President Obama's trip to Copenhagen to support Chicago's bid for the Olympics, we heard a lot of talk about whether or not this was a good political strategy for him, but we didn't hear much talk about whether or not it was a good thing to do.  The reporting seemed to be about political posturing and folks angling situations for their own good.  We felt this reporting was lacking and that it somehow echoed the problems Micah was addressing.

Corruption of leaders has been with us for a long time:  in Micah's time, in Jesus' time, right now, and every time in between.  Looking with some charity, we noted that many corrupt leaders might at least be starting from a place of good.  By wanting to serve, by wanting to make positive changes in the world, leaders may end up doing bad things in order to try to bring about positive change.