In the twenty-second chapter of Matthew we have one of the most far-reaching commands Jesus uttered while her on earth. It read thus: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second, is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Just think, for a moment, what a great transformation would be made in this great world of ours, if men and nations were to whole-heartedly observe these two commands of the Lord Jesus.

We, all of us, are the creation of almighty God, and He knows the weakness of the human family. He knows just what steps should be taken in order that the men of earth might dwell together in peace and happiness. To accomplish this purpose He gave us the Bible, which is the inspired word of the living God. It was given to us for a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path so that we might not walk in darkness but in the glorious light of the gospel. The world is walking in darkness, not knowing where it is going, and is continually stumbling, which has brought about all the strife, confusion and unrest that is in the world today. It is only by adherence to the above two commands of Jesus that this sad plight of the human family can be remedied. The devil has so blinded the eyes of the powers that be until they are unable to see the remedy. This great nation of ours is spending billions, for implements of destruction in direct violation of the commands of Jesus. If our rulers would seek God with all their heart and spend this vast sum of money in an effort to convert the souls of men, it would not be long until the world would present an entirely different picture. Man, in his natural state, is an unruly, creature and wants to have his own way, in everything, regardless of its effect upon his neighbor. Jeremiah gives us the true picture, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?"(Jer 17:9)

The Glory Of The Church Foretold

Micah 4:1---In the last days it shall come to pass---This has reference to the coming of Jesus who was to bring the soul-saving gospel in the fullness to the world lost in sin. Christ was to usher in a dispensation in which the gospel would be preached to all men and not just to the Jews, and many people of many nations would be saved. How literally this prophecy was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when the Spirit of God came down in such a power upon Peter and the apostles that three thousand souls were saved in one service. Surely the Church was established in the top of the mountains (a ver secure and impregnable place) and exalted above the hills, (in spite of all the opposition of the devil could bring against it) and people did flow onto it.

Verse 2---And many nations shall come---There shall be people saved out of many nations and all nations shall have the gospel preached to them. This was fulfilled In Paul's time, for he said in Col 1:25, "be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature under heaven." The law shall go forth of Zion---This is the church Jesus said He would build and which was set in order on the Day of Pentecost.

Verse 3---He shall judge among many people---This refers to Christ, who would be the spiritual Judge and King of His followers and build up His one true Church, against which the powers of hell should never prevail. Beat their swords into plowshares---Christ followers would be new creatures with all hatred and malice removed from their hearts and would not resort to carnal means to overcome their enemies, but would do their very best to win them with the pure gospel of the Lord Jesus.

The Fruits Of The Gospel

Micah 4:4---They shall sit every man under his vine---The Christian shall be at peace with his fellowmen and his soul shall be free of condemnation. Thus he can sin under his fig tree in peace. The truth is his shield and buckler, and he has no fear of the enemies.

Verse 5---In the old dispensation Jews were God's chosen people, though most of them kept not His commandments and received not His favor, but in the Gospel Dispensation the Church is His chosen people, every member of which is born-again Christian. Therefore, they all do walk in the name of the Lord and keep His commandments, bringing joy to the great heart of God.

Mere Sacrifices Of No Avail

Micah 6:8---What doth the Lord require of thee?---They ha become convicted of their sins and desired to come to the Lord. Their consciences seemed to tell them that it took more than burn offerings to have the favor of God upon them. "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart: and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." No sacrifice is of any benefit unless the heart is right with God.

Verse 7---Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams?---It takes more than sacrifice to please God. It is the fellowship with His children that delights our loving heavenly Father, and no sacrifice, no matter ho great or costly, can change the human heart. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can do that and make its possessor a new creature with a heart of love for his blessed Savior and Redeemer.

The Duty Of The Child Of God

Micah 6:8---What doth the Lord require of thee?---Here, in a very few words we have summed up the duties of the follower of Christ-to deal justly with God and man. To deal justly with God we must love Him with all our heart, mind and souls and strength, for from Him have we received every good thing that we have. We must love mercy and willingly and gladly come to the aid of the unfortunate when the occasion arises and it is within our power to do so. We must walk humbly with God. It is the meek and humble souls that finds favor with God, and He extends this gracious promise to all that will take the humble route. "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way"---Psa 25:9. Now what could possibly be more wonderful than that? How can we go wrong if the very God of heaven is guiding us? This promise is for every Christian and one that we all should most earnestly claim. "If God be for us, who can be against us?"