MICAH 6:8

We tend to complicate things. If we are not careful, we become like Namaan, the leper, who wanted to be cured but he wanted it done in some grand, spectacular way. We often go for the grand, complicated, and showy way. We want it done our way but many times our way and style are completely antithetical to God’s way. We can never trick God by trying to appease Him with sacrificial gifts and offerings. The Almighty cannot be bought, bribed, or bamboozled. He is neither pleased with burnt offerings, animal sacrifices nor human sacrifices (Micah 6:7).

Here in this passage, the prophet Micah makes it abundantly clear what the Lord requires of us. It is certainly not as complicated as some have made it. Before he gets to the actual requirements, he makes a stunning declaration. He informs his readers “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good…” (8). It has already been revealed to us. For any who are wanting to know what God requires, it is not a complicated, obscure mystery reserved just for a few. He has shown it to us.

The Lord then poses a very potent question to the prophet Micah, which as he astutely answers, gives us an excellent manifesto by which to govern our lives. May we daily seek to follow and apply these principles. “… And what doth the Lord require of thee…?” (8). To this simple but intensely provocative question, the prophet articulates three indispensable requirements as we seek to live godly and honorable lives.

Firstly, he declares that we must do justly. We must seek justice not just for ourselves but also for others. We must conform to the principles or ideals of righteousness. We must seek always to do what is right. We cannot be biased, prejudiced, or partial in our treatment of others. We must seek justice and equity, especially for those who are oppressed, victimized, and marginalized. We must strive for a just society.

Secondly, we are called upon to love mercy. As God extended mercy to us, so must we be eager and willing to extend mercy to others. In mercy, we exercise compassion and forbearance to offenders and trespassers. We advance the lenient and compassionate treatment of others. When God could have justly punished us as we rightfully deserved, He forgave us. The followers of Christ must have love and mercy and pursue it.

Thirdly, we are unalterably required to walk humbly with our God. You would think that this is obvious but on a persistent basis we must remind ourselves that “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). We are also told “…God resisteth the proud but He giveth grace to the humble” (James 4:6; 1Peter 5:5). In God’s economy, a high premium is placed on humility. May we never complicate the requirements to be acceptable with the Holy One – Justice, Mercy, and Humility!