You will recall, Micah was used by God to warn the people about the coming judgment and the pardon available to all who repented. In today’s sermon at church, the pastor used a word in Spanish (arrepentimiento.) I hadn’t heard before. I thought it must be “repent,” and according to google translate it is “repentance!” The message was very timely for our theme of “Living as God Desires.”
Micah would have been a contemporary with Isaiah and Hosea, other men used by God to help the people see the errors of their ways. People might wonder if we have prophets today, walking around like these brave men, giving us some clarity. Whether we do or not, I believe these timeless Bible truths ring out to us as well!
Our passage today begins with a picture of a courtroom-like setting. As a retired paralegal, I’ve seen plenty of those in my day. This is not a “pearly gates” moment, but it God asking us why? What do we have against God? What has caused us to behave the way we do?
God’s words remind the people what he has done — all the miracles they have seen or heard about. We have probably witnessed a miracle or two in our own lives and communities. Think about the last time you saw God move in your midst. Mine was just today during church. It was like I felt the hand of God on my back, assuring me that I was on the right track. That sure felt amazing. Did the people feel amazed at God’s presence in their lives? Do you?
All that aside, the last verse in today’s reading nearly jumped off the page. How do we answer God’s call? This is what God requires. “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” We have probably all tried countless ways of pleasing God. His simple formula for our lives is here. If we do this, we please God. He wants to be in our lives. He wants us to humble ourselves before him.
To do that, though, takes courage. One of my favorite worship bands is Casting Crowns, and I’ve been lucky enough to see them in concert a couple times. They did a song for the soundtrack of the movie, “Courageous,” and it pulls from this verse. Listen to the song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkM-gDcmJeM).
God made us exactly how he wanted us. Courageous! Are you feeling fearful? Maybe you’re sensing the Spirit’s call on your life and not feeling up to the challenge. Remember, God wants us to walk humbly with him, yet be warriors of the faith! We need to be on our knees with lifted hands!
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for making me courageous! Forgive me for the times when I doubt and lose sight of what you want for me. I look forward to walking with you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
