Three Things

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 6:8. 

Trying to come up with a meaningful offering after a dry spell, I remembered this verse. Although it stands alone as a standard for Christian living, we can benefit from understanding its historical and social context.

Micah lived in the southern kingdom of Judah at the same time that Isaiah lived in the northern kingdom of Israel. The Jewish people had violated their covenant with the Lord. The leaders had become wealthy through corruption, and the prophets were bribed to provide promises of God’s favor and protection. Micah accused Israel of rebellion and warned that He would allow the Assyrian and Babylonian empires to wreak destruction on Jerusalem because of this spiritual decay, while also offering hope that He would restore and redeem His people, which is His ultimate purpose. Have we not also from time to time loosed ourselves from our divine moorings? Yet because of God’s character and His promises, we have reason for hope, and in the anchor verse, Micah tells us in a nutshell what it means to follow God.

    Do what is right. Many gray areas perplex us, but the Spirit will show what is right. For example, what if you just don’t like someone? We are commanded to love, but liking is a different matter. According to gotquestions.org, by “fully trusting Christ and pursuing wisdom and holiness through prayer and the Scriptures, we will naturally develop a love for others—a godly love that sacrifices self by seeking the best for them—whether or not it is accompanied by affection.” Feelings follow action, as the saying goes, but sometimes it’s hard to get moving in the right direction. 

Jesus always did what was right because He always did the Father’s will. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38.

    Love mercy. Many times in my teaching career, I received mercy from administrators when I deserved official corrective action. I tried to carry that mercy back to the classroom and extend it there; it wasn’t easy because people are difficult. I had help.

Jesus loved mercy, even as He was dying on a cross. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Luke 23:33-34. 

Walk humbly with God. So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6. About half of us usually don’t have trouble practicing humility, but most of us have a problem with “at the right time.” 

Jesus humbled Himself for us. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Isaiah 53:3. He also waited for the right time to be honored, but He had to die first, so we have no cause to complain about waiting. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand. Luke 22:69. 

    As always, it’s about Jesus. He lived the three things in Micah 6:8. Let us copy Him.

Taste and see.