Thursday, October 10, 2019

What the Lord Requires

In the book of Micah in the Old Testament, Micah records poetry that presents a warning to the people of Jerusalem and Samaria. He is very direct with his words and makes it clear what God despises in the actions of man.

Micah reminds the people that God is angered by the actions of idolatry and creating images to worship. He wants us to worship only Him. Though we may not create golden calves or statues to worship, we commonly admire our shiny cars, our houses or our shiny jewels and big TVs. Sometimes we let our jobs or our statuses take precedence over our worship of God, the One who created us and loves us. He wants us to worship Him alone.

What does he require of us? Micah tells us God has showed mankind what He expects of us. He wants us to be fair in our dealings. He wants us to show kindness and forgiveness to others, as He shows mercy to us. And God desires that we walk with Him showing honor and holiness to Him while being meek before Him.

Micah's reminder is applicable to us in this current generation, too. We should regularly explore how we stand in regard to these three areas of justice, mercy and humility. We may think we are doing okay day-to-day, but if we stop and examine ourselves we may see trends of thoughtlessness creeping in. It is so easy to slip away from the ideal and there can be a slippery slope just over the next hilltop.

"He 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." (Micah 6:8 NIV).

May this verse echo through our thoughts today as we evaluate where we stand as we kneel before our God in holy worship.

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