Micah 3:8

Micah had the Holy Spirit with him. He referred to Him as the Spirit of the Lord. It is possible that some extraordinary people could have shown the courage that Micah showed without the presence of the Holy Spirit. Even wicked men will often demonstrate courage while committing evil deeds. Micah does not make a connection between the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life and courage. I believe, and most Christians believe, that in fearful times the Holy Spirit will help us be courageous. However, courage is not the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit living within us. Micah points to the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life as being the source of his power.

The Holy Spirit filled Micah with power for a purpose; God gave Micah power so he would use it. No matter how much power he had, if he never turned it on or engaged it he would have accomplished nothing. Micah used his power and might to proclaim the word of the Lord. He spoke on the side of justice and defended those who had no other defenders. His primary purpose was to pronounce God’s coming judgment upon Israel’s transgressions and sins.

Since the day of Pentecost, every Christian has had the Holy Spirit with them. The Holy Spirit still anoints God’s people with power. God still gives power with a purpose; he still intends for us to use it. He does not intend for most Christians to be prophets. No one should enter a preaching ministry unless directed to do so by God. However, Micah’s ministry and that of every Christian have much in common.

The gospel will always be our greatest message, but it is not our only message. God wants Christians to make the world a better place. God has given Christians the power to speak out against injustice, and to do something about it. If Christians will not defend the helpless, who will? God gives us power, but we must choose to use it.