WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES

Micah 6:8 New Living Translation

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

         Micah was what is referred to as one of the Minor Prophets.^[1] There were twelve of them in the Old Testament. Micah lived as a contemporary to the great Prophet Isaiah. In Micah’s writing God warns against Israel’s disobedience and his impending judgment.  There are many things the Lord has hatred for and four of them are listed in this writing. God hates unkindness, idolatry, injustice and empty ritual, all of which the Jews were participating in. The plan to redeem his people was already available and was what it always has been; to live righteously in God’s sight, to love & practice mercy & walk humbly with the Lord during this life. 

         An interesting point to note is that we are not asked to walk humbly before our God or follow behind him in a humble spirit, but rather walk humbly with him. Once we are redeemed we are completely and totally righteous and sanctified in a positional sense.  We haven’t achieved that status and never shall this side of heaven, but by God’s grace we are seen by him as if we are literally that way. To live as if that didn’t matter is to trample on God’s grace.

         What was true then is still true today. Saying you’re righteous and holy is a whole lot different than living like you are. People should notice the difference without you telling them.  That is a key to humble living. Jesus was neither arrogant, nor a braggart, therefore, neither should we be.  Showing people Jesus thru our actions rather than our words will have a greater impact than saying a whole lot that ends up being nothing in comparison to the way you act.  Study the life of Jesus and emulate him with the help of the Holy Spirit.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

^[1] “There are twelve books in the Bible known as the Minor Prophets. The difference between the major and Minor Prophets is not an issue of importance, but rather the length of material written. The twelve books are all in the Old Testament consisting of Hosea, Joel, Amos Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.” - https://www.raptureready.com/faq/faq557.html