Micah is another prophet used by God who served at the time of Amos, Isaiah, and others. The message of the coming judgment and pardon available was just that important. God wanted to give his people every possible chance to save themselves. Even though we aren’t in Micah’s first audience, we can glean wisdom from how God addresses the wayward people of that time.
How would you respond if you were asked to state your case against God? Would you think of all the bad things that have happened to you and blame him? Or would you recall all the blessings he has given you, including the love He showed by orchestrating Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for you?
Here, Micah is reminding the people of what God has already done. These are all stories we can find collaborated in other places in the Bible. I would encourage you to look them up and become familiar with the history of God’s chosen people. There are always teachable moments for us living in the modern world.
Do you think God still does miracles today? Unfortunately, our newsfeeds seldom report on how God is moving in our midst. We might even miss seeing the miraculous wonders around us because we’re too busy checking our phones, working, or satisfying our selfish desires. Wrestle with the notion of where you see God moving, how you feel different because you are following Christ.
It wasn’t until I read the very last verse of today’s reading that I realized what the perfect takeaway to this text is. It’s important to remember what God has done and be in awe of his majesty because that helps us do what God is asking us to do here. The requirements are “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
What does it mean to humble yourself before the Lord? Think about that for a moment. It doesn’t just happen, it is a conscious decision to empty yourself of all your own thoughts, aspirations, and even troubles. It’s when you trust only God to mold you, to make a beautiful design on your blank canvas called life. God does his best work when we make room for him by humbling ourselves.
When we are in that mindset of humility, it’s a lot easier to do what is right. We are able to love mercy because we realize that without it we are nothing. Mercy and grace are how God restores us to the people he created us to be. His forgiveness washes us white as snow. When we truly grasp that provision over our lives, we can’t help but want to do what is right by living a life of seeking God’s will.
Take some time today to look at your life and your relationships, especially the one you have with God. Are there changes you need to make to walk more humbly in his presence?
Let’s pray. Father, forgive me for the times when I doubt and lose sight of what you want for me. Help me do a better job of not holding on to my own aspirations and dreams but to seek your will for my life. I look forward to walking with you each day. Thank you for the wisdom you give me to make the right, God-honoring decisions. Continue to guide my humility and help me grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
