8. Why are “the remaining ones of Jacob” likened to a lion?

⁸ In the prophet Micah’s message, those who offer ‘the young bulls of their lips’ are likened to a lion. He wrote: “The remaining ones of Jacob must become among the nations . . . like a lion among the beasts of a forest, like a maned young lion among droves of sheep, which, when it actually passes through, certainly both tramples down and tears in pieces; and there is no deliverer.” (Micah 5:8) Why this analogy? In our day, God’s people, with the anointed remnant taking the lead, must show lionlike courage in proclaiming the warning message to the nations.a

9. (a) When do you need to exercise lionlike courage? (b) How can you be courageous in the face of opposition or apathy?

⁹ Are you courageous like a lion in proclaiming the warning aspect of the message? You may need such courage not only when you stand before people in authority but also when you talk to your peers at school or at work or to your unbelieving relatives. (Micah 7:5-7; Matthew 10:17-21) How can you muster up courage in the face of opposition or apathy? Listen to how Micah was able to accomplish the formidable task of warning about the destruction of both Samaria and Jerusalem: “I myself have become full of power, with the spirit of Jehovah, and of justice and mightiness, in order to tell to Jacob his revolt and to Israel his sin.” (Micah 1:1, 6; 3:8) You too can “become full of power” because you too can receive an abundant supply of God’s empowering spirit. (Zechariah 4:6) By relying on God in prayer, you will be able to declare the words that may cause ears to tingle.​—2 Kings 21:10-15.