“And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass…”  Micah 5:7

Background information

  • Micah was a prophet who lived in the time of Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea.
  • He prophesied in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah,Kings of Judah.
  • His message was mostly for God’s people in Jerusalem.
  • He predicted Jerusalem’s downfall because of their sin of idolatry and dishonest business practices.
  • He foretold that Bethlehem would be the birth place of Christ (5:2)

Micah clearly laid out what God required of His people: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  (Micah 6:8)

It was a remnant people among many other nations as we are today. We are surrounded by many religions, cultures, and nations. God-fearing, committed Christians are a “remnant” in any country. We live in an age of spiritual leanness, but if we are what we should be for the Lord, we will be an “incalculable blessing” to those around us(CH Spurgeon).

Beautiful illustration

In the blessings of Micah 5, there is a beautiful illustration of God’s blessing upon His remnant people that they would be as “dew from the Lord, and “showers upon the grass.”

Consider some facts about dew:

Picture1

The nightly process of dew development by moisture condensing from the atmosphere is an another example of God’s creative power on the earth. It is a natural form of irrigation and refreshment. Dew is something that man does not regulate, but it comes from the hand of God silently and steadily.

 

“The people among whom they live shall be as the grass, which flourishes only by the blessing of God, and not by the art and care of man; they shall be beneficial to those about them by drawing down God’s blessings on them…” (Matthew Henry)

Christian dewdrops

Dew is silent, gentle, and constant. May that be our testimony among many. Matthew Henry added that Christians “shall be great blessings to those among whom they live, as the dew and the showers are to the grass, to make it grow without the help of man, or the sons of men. Their doctrine, example, and prayers, shall make them as dew, to soften and moisten others, and make them fruitful.”

Notice the three characteristics that Matthew Henry mentions:

  • doctrine
  • example
  • prayers

 As the natural dew blesses the grass with its life-giving water, so may we bless those we meet with  a fresh, life-giving influence condensed from the atmosphere of heaven.

Regarding this verse, CH Spurgeon said, “They are as the dew; for in a quiet, unobtrusive manner they refresh those around them. Silently but effectually they minister to the life, growth, and joy of those who dwell with them. Coming fresh from heaven, glistening like diamonds in the sun, gracious men and women attend to the feeble and insignificant till each blade of grass has its own drop of dew. Little as individuals, they are, when united, all sufficient for the purposes of love which the Lord fulfils through them. Dewdrops accomplish the refreshing of broad acres. Lord, make us like the dew!”

 Picture2 

Notice the lessons of Mr. Spurgeon’s beautiful commentary:

051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 a quiet, unobtrusive witness
051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 ministering life, and growth, and joy
051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 fresh from heaven
051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 glistening like diamonds in the sun
051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 gracious men and women
051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 ministering to feeble and insignificant
051380-glossy-black-icon-natural-wonders-icon_131 working together in the great cause of “refreshing the broad acres”

Consider these Bible verses that encourage a quiet heart:

  • “Betteris a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with ” Prov.17:1
  • “Betteris an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.” Ecc.4:6
  • “…ye ought to bequiet, and to do nothing rashly.” Acts 19:36
  • “Study to bequiet, and do your own business.” I Thess.4:11
  • “That we may lead aquiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” I Tim.2:2
  • “…let it bethe hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” I Pet.3:4

Consider the opposite scenario

  • a loud complainer
  • a contentious worker
  • an ungracious, unforgiving spirit
  • a difficult person to work with
  • someone who ministers strife and discouragement to others
  • and the list goes on

It is easy to fall into the trap of being a dried-up discourager instead of a source of refreshment to the souls of others. Self needs constant subduing, but nothing will be done outside of the grace of God which is sufficient and available for daily supply. May we “tap into” this amazing, sustaining power of God.

Jesus, my Savior! Thou art mine,
The Father’s gift of love divine;
All Thou hast done, and all Thou art,
Are now the portion of my heart.

Poor, feeble, wretched, as I am,
I now can glory in Thy name;
Now cleansed in Thy most precious blood
And made the righteousness of God.

All that Thou hast Thou hast for me,
All my fresh springs are hid in Thee;
In Thee I live; while I confess
I nothing am, yet all possess.

O Savior, teach me to abide
Close sheltered at Thy wounded side,
Each hour receiving “grace on grace,”
Until I see Thee face to face.

James G. Deck 1802-1884