He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
The world of the people to whom the prophet Micah spoke was in shambles. Jerusalem was under siege. The rulers were self-serving and corrupt. They were forsaking the Lord and causing the people to seek other gods and worship idols. There was no safety, security and there was no place to hide.
In chapter 5, Micah gave them a message of hope – that a leader was coming, and that leader would come from Bethlehem. In chapter 6, he went on to challenge them to not sit idly waiting for that leader. Micah encouraged them to demonstrate the characteristics of the kingdom in their everyday lives and thus prepare for its coming.
Do Justice– “Justice” is the Hebrew word “mishpat”, which sometimes refers to the justice you might be thinking of – paying the consequences for wrong doing. But most often in the Bible this word is referring to restorative justice, the act of seeking out those who are vulnerable and being taken advantage of and helping them. It involves advocating for them and doing what we can to prevent injustice. We have experienced God’s justice wrapped in mercy in our own lives. Jesus came to the world to save us, not condemn us. God so loved the world that he gave his only son … God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” John 3:16-17.That gift was for all people. This is about living a radical, selfless way of life helping others.
Love Mercy - Mercy and love are linked with God. God has declared His love for us and nothing will change that decision to love us. God’s love was most clearly shown in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Even though we rebel against God, God still loves us. Experiencing God’s love and mercy are life changing experiences. Certainly, we are not the same, because of our walk with God. In the same way, experiencing God’s love and mercy through us can be a life changing experience for others. Living in love with, rather than fear of, other individuals and groups can change our lives, their lives, our nation and our world.
Walk Humbly We see Jesus who lived a life of service and love. Jesus died a humiliating and excruciating death, choosing not to exercise his Godly power and command his host of angels to fight for him. Such is the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not experienced in physical power, the domination and control of others, or the insistence in obtaining one’s desires. We cloth ourselves in humility and walk the walk of Jesus as we celebrate that we (along with everyone else) are children of God. Humility comes as we thankfully receive God’s forgiveness and rejoice the God did not turn God’s back on us. Rejecting selfishness and pride, we live to use our gifts, talents and blessings for others rather than for ourselves.
It would be such a waste for God’s people to just sit around sipping coffee and visiting while we wait for Jesus Christ to return. Don’t get me wrong, good coffee and fellowship are some of God’s greatest gifts and He tells us “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We need one another, and to encourage one another. Lets encourage one another to go out and work hard because the Kingdom of God is right now. We need to be about His work – Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly while we wait.
Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
