Scripture
8 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.
Reflection
The Prophet Micah is responding to the religious notion that God desires burnt offerings and sacrifices. The modern corollary is that God wants us to give money, be punctual every Sunday to church, and to learn how to pray in such a way as to sound pious and righteous.
But that is not what God truly He desires. He wants our hearts to be transformed. He wants us to conform to His image, which means that we love what is good, just and merciful. And that we ourselves live lives of justice and mercy.
What does that mean in our daily lives? Do we treat our colleagues and neighbors with mercy and grace? Do we act justly? Do we pursue humility? True worship is not simply through sacrifices, nice songs and financial offerings. True worship is when our lives are offered as living sacrifices so that God’s goodness may be known daily through our actions (Charlie).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God, Jesus and man?
- What do you feel God is telling you through these passages?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you can share this message with?
Prayer
Look around you right now at the people who are sitting near you or standing and pray for them.