What God requires
Today's focusMicah asks what offering could please God, and answers that God has already shown what is good: to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with him.
Read
6Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? 7Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Reflection
Sometimes we feel that to be right with God, we must offer something grand or overwhelming. In this passage, the speaker asks if God is looking for "thousands of rams" or even "ten thousands of rivers of oil." It is easy to think that if we just work harder or give more, we can make up for the "sin of my soul." But these verses remind you that God is not looking for expensive rituals or heavy burdens to settle the debt of your past mistakes.
Instead, He has already "shewed thee, O man, what is good." God’s desire for your life is beautifully simple and deeply practical. He asks you to "do justly," treating every person with fairness and honesty. He calls you to "love mercy," showing the same kindness to others that you hope to receive. Finally, He invites you to "walk humbly with thy God." You do not have to perform for Him; you only need to walk beside Him with a quiet and faithful heart. Today, you can rest in knowing exactly what He requires.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Which of the three — doing justly, loving mercy or walking humbly — is most challenged in your daily work or dealings?
Pray
Lord, you have shown me what is good. Teach me to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with you. Let my everyday dealings honour you more than my words.