If you take a look at the bible you will find a couple of summary statements that explain what the whole book is about. For example:
John 3:16 āFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal lifeā
Most of these āsummary statementsā are found in the New Testament when Jesus has come to the world. However, there are some in the Old Testament or Tanakh. Micah 6:8 is a prime example. No matter how you read this verse, no matter who you are, you can easily understand what God requires of you.Ā
Micah 6:8 āHe has showed you , O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.ā
The book of Micah is primarily a warning to Judah and Israel that the LORD is angry with them. They have turned from the God to other idols, much like we do within our society. Despite the doom and gloom of Micahās prophecy, there is an underlying hope. The remnant of Israel; those who are good and obedient to the law of the Lord will receive salvation.Ā
The sixth chapter of Micah demonstrates Godās love for his people. The LORD lists all he as done for the Israelites, showing his righteous power. In verse six the speaker changes. Instead of God demonstrating his great and awesome power and love the people ask what they can do to please God. They ask if sacrifices great in quality and quantity would please the Lord; āthousands of rams,ā āten thousand rivers of oil,ā even their āfirstborn child for [their] transgression.ā
These things were actually typical sacrifices made to God, well maybe not the firstborn... Because Jesus had not yet come to bridge the gap between sinful people and a perfect God, the people made sacrifices to atone for their sins, but the people began to misuse sacrifices. They would sin thinking God had to accept their sacrifice, no matter what. Then they began sacrificing to idols. They corrupted the intention behind a sacrifice, which was to honor God in and because of their sin.Ā
Verse eight reminds the people that God has clear and understandable expectations for them. āHE HAS SHOWED YOU, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD.ā Micah cannot be any more deliberate in what he says. God has already told you what to do, but Iām going to remind you anyway. Letās take a second to consider that God has expectations. How often do we pray when we are in need of grace or in need of forgiveness? In comparison, how often do we pray when we are content? We have these expectation that God will provide. We have expectations that God will forgive us, no matter what. While I believe both of these to be true, I have to remember that it is a two-way relationship that I have with God. He expects things in return for his gifts to us. What does he expect? Three things beyond having a relationship with Christ; to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.Ā
How many lawyers or judges do we have here? It is their job to seek justice. Iām sure they would tell you that true justice is fair and honest, but hard to acquire. Sometimes we merely appreciate justice without living justly. To act justly requires intentionality. We must go out of our comfort zones to make sure that everyone is treated justly. Kids; that means standing up for the bullied kids. Adults; that means reaching out to the less fortunate, despite the cost. True justice requires kindness and compassion, empathy and love. Seeking justice isnāt easy, but itās worth it.Ā
What is mercy? The dictionary says ācompassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within oneās power to punish or harm.ā Broken down that means showing kindness to those who have less power than we do. Mercy requires genuine active compassion and kindness to those in need, especially the āuntouchables.ā By untouchables I mean the homeless, the addicted, the mentally ill, the poor, the weak, the dirty, the sinfulā¦ the lepers of our society. Honestly, it is fairly simple to appear giving and merciful, but a truly difficult thing to love from our hearts unconditionally. God does not say to act mercifully, but to intentionally LOVE MERCY. Loving mercy isnāt easy, but itās worth it.Ā
First of all walking with God assumes that we have a relationship with God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Within that walk with Christ there are three important factors. The first is constant gratitude toward God. This one is pretty easy. Looking around at the world, the beauty of nature, the joy of a childās laugh, the air of every breath. We experience Godās beauty every second of everyday. All we have to do is recall that God is responsible for this remarkable creation. The second step is total reliance on God. This one is incredibly difficult for me. I am very independent. I like to do things myself and take care of other people, not the other way around. I forget how powerful, capable, and reliable God is. He is always by my side, always by your side, never faltering or failing. Thirdly, we most have undying respect toward God and his plans for our life. God knows best. He knows our hearts, our deepest darkest secrets, and has a specific plan for our lives. We donāt have to understand Godās plans, but respect and honor the tugging of the heart strings and the little signs God gives us. I find it interesting that Micah leaves this as the last requirement. Heās saving the best for last, the most important, the finale. By walking humbly with God we must have a relationship with him. Having a relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ gives us the keys to the kingdom. It isnāt easy to walk humbly with God, but itās worth it.Ā
God freely gives salvation through Jesus. He is just and merciful, but has the expectation that we will also be just and merciful. We must walk with God, even when we donāt want to. It isnāt going to be easy, but it is worth it.Ā
