What does God truly want from us?
Micah 6 is a profound call to examine our relationship with God, reminding us that He desires our hearts and lives, not empty rituals. It challenges us to walk humbly, love mercy, and act justly in response to His love and faithfulness.
Key Verse:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (NASB)
Background Context:
Micah 6 begins with God presenting His case against Israel, calling them to account for their ingratitude and unfaithfulness. He recounts His acts of deliverance and provision, reminding them of His steadfast love. The people’s response reveals their misunderstanding of what pleases God—thinking external sacrifices are enough. God, however, clarifies that He desires lives marked by justice, mercy, and humility. This timeless message speaks to our need to align our hearts and actions with God’s will.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
God’s Indictment of His People
1Hear now what the LORD is saying,
“Arise, plead your case before the mountains,
And let the hills hear your voice.
2“Listen, you mountains, to the indictment of the LORD,
And you enduring foundations of the earth,
Because the LORD has a case against His people;
Even with Israel He will dispute.
3“My people, what have I done to you,
And how have I wearied you? Answer Me.
4“Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt
And ransomed you from the house of slavery,
And I sent before you Moses, Aaron and Miriam.
5“My people, remember now
What Balak king of Moab counseled
And what Balaam son of Beor answered him,
And from Shittim to Gilgal,
So that you might know the righteous acts of the LORD.”
What God Requires of Man
6With what shall I come to the LORD
And bow myself before the God on high?
Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings,
With yearling calves?
7Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams,
In ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts,
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
9The voice of the LORD will call to the city—
And it is sound wisdom to fear Your name:
“Hear, O tribe. Who has appointed its time?
10“Is there yet a man in the wicked house,
Along with treasures of wickedness
And a short measure that is cursed?
11“Can I justify wicked scales
And a bag of deceptive weights?
12“For the rich men of the city are full of violence,
Her residents speak lies,
And their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.
13“So also I will make you sick, striking you down,
Desolating you because of your sins.
14“You will eat, but you will not be satisfied,
And your vileness will be in your midst.
You will try to remove for safekeeping,
But you will not preserve anything,
And what you do preserve I will give to the sword.
15“You will sow but you will not reap.
You will tread the olive but will not anoint yourself with oil;
And the grapes, but you will not drink wine.
16“The statutes of Omri
And all the works of the house of Ahab are observed;
And in their devices you walk.
Therefore I will give you up for destruction
And your inhabitants for derision,
And you will bear the reproach of My people.”
Reflection on Micah 6:
- God’s Faithful Deliverance:
The chapter opens with God recounting His faithfulness in rescuing Israel from Egypt and guiding them through the wilderness (Micah 6:3-5). This reminds us to reflect on how God has been faithful in our lives. Are you pausing to thank Him for His provision and care? - The Misguided Response:
Israel asks if extravagant offerings or sacrifices could satisfy God, misunderstanding what He truly desires (Micah 6:6-7). This highlights the futility of external religion without a heart devoted to Him. Are you offering God your heart and life, or relying on outward rituals? - What God Requires:
Micah 6:8 succinctly captures what pleases God—acting justly, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him. These qualities reflect a life transformed by His love. Are you living in a way that reflects these attributes in your relationships and decisions? - Judgment for Injustice:
The chapter concludes with God addressing the sins of Israel, including dishonesty, greed, and violence (Micah 6:10-16). This serves as a warning against pursuing selfish gain at the expense of righteousness. Are you aligning your actions with God’s standards of justice and mercy?
Summary Key Points:
- Remember God’s Faithfulness: Reflect on His deliverance and provision in your life.
- Rituals Alone Don’t Please God: He desires hearts devoted to Him, not empty actions.
- Act Justly: Live with integrity and fairness in your relationships and decisions.
- Love Kindness: Show compassion and mercy to others as a reflection of God’s character.
- Walk Humbly: Depend on God and seek His guidance in every aspect of your life.
Application:
Take time to reflect on Micah 6:8 and examine your life in light of its call to justice, mercy, and humility. Seek God’s guidance to align your actions and attitudes with His will. Thank Him for His faithfulness and commit to living in a way that reflects His love and character.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us what is good and what You require of us. Help us to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with You. Forgive us for the times we have relied on empty rituals instead of offering You our hearts. Transform our lives to reflect Your love and truth in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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