Sacrifices and Offerings
Read: Micah 6:1-8 (NIV)
In Micah 6:1-8, God speaks through the prophet Micah and brings a legal case against Israel. He reminds them of the things He’s done for Israel, including delivering them from Egypt, providing leadership, and protecting them. He reminds them of their ingratitude for these blessings. In response, the people ask what sacrifices they should offer to appease God. Like so many people, they believe that material offerings and good deeds are the way to gain God's favor. The prophet Micah lived during a time of deep injustice, corruption, and spiritual hypocrisy. His message pierced through the noise of religious rituals and empty offerings with a clear, simple question: What does the Lord actually want from us? God uses verse 8 to refocus their attention on the things He truly desires.
“He has shown you, O mortal, 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.”
How many times are we like the Israelites: striving to bring God our best and brightest, overworking our bodies through service, and constantly feeling inadequate. In those moments when I start to feel worn-out through trying so hard to please Him, I am reminded of this verse. It has been a favorite of mine since college. I am a person who LOVES shoes and owns way too many pairs, and I like to use shoes as an illustration to unpack this verse. What kind of shoes would a person wear to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before the Lord?
Consider:
Do Justice | reminds us that we should strive for fair and ethical treatment of others, especially to those in need. In what areas of your life can you increase your capacity to “do justice”?
Love Mercy | calls for compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, especially towards those who have wronged us. Who do you need to forgive? Who are you feeling called to show extra compassion to?
Walk Humbly | emphasizes living in a spirit of obedience and reverence for God, acknowledging His holiness and our need for Him. In what ways do you need to recenter your perspective in order to show humility? How have you been striving in your own strength rather than trusting Him?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us what truly matters. Help me to live a life that pleases You, not through outward performance, but through a heart aligned with Yours. Teach me to act with justice, to love mercy deeply, and to walk humbly with You every day. Holy Spirit, guide me in the small choices that shape a life of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Micah 6:1-8, God speaks through the prophet Micah and brings a legal case against Israel. He reminds them of the things He’s done for Israel, including delivering them from Egypt, providing leadership, and protecting them. He reminds them of their ingratitude for these blessings. In response, the people ask what sacrifices they should offer to appease God. Like so many people, they believe that material offerings and good deeds are the way to gain God's favor. The prophet Micah lived during a time of deep injustice, corruption, and spiritual hypocrisy. His message pierced through the noise of religious rituals and empty offerings with a clear, simple question: What does the Lord actually want from us? God uses verse 8 to refocus their attention on the things He truly desires.
“He has shown you, O mortal, 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.”
How many times are we like the Israelites: striving to bring God our best and brightest, overworking our bodies through service, and constantly feeling inadequate. In those moments when I start to feel worn-out through trying so hard to please Him, I am reminded of this verse. It has been a favorite of mine since college. I am a person who LOVES shoes and owns way too many pairs, and I like to use shoes as an illustration to unpack this verse. What kind of shoes would a person wear to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before the Lord?
Consider:
Do Justice | reminds us that we should strive for fair and ethical treatment of others, especially to those in need. In what areas of your life can you increase your capacity to “do justice”?
Love Mercy | calls for compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, especially towards those who have wronged us. Who do you need to forgive? Who are you feeling called to show extra compassion to?
Walk Humbly | emphasizes living in a spirit of obedience and reverence for God, acknowledging His holiness and our need for Him. In what ways do you need to recenter your perspective in order to show humility? How have you been striving in your own strength rather than trusting Him?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us what truly matters. Help me to live a life that pleases You, not through outward performance, but through a heart aligned with Yours. Teach me to act with justice, to love mercy deeply, and to walk humbly with You every day. Holy Spirit, guide me in the small choices that shape a life of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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