Read Micah 6 The Lords case against Israel

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8 NKJV)

Micah reminded them of God's love in time past and summarized in one verse what God required of His people; not what they think as if the LORD wants their burnt offerings, rivers of oil, or their firstborn children as sacrifice for the sins they committed against God. God wants a change of heart, a change of lifestyle, and of disposition toward both God and neighbour. He told the people what God desired. God requires three things that are good:

First, to act justly. God is righteous and just. He demands of them the same. Isaiah 56:1 and Jeremiah 22:3 give commands to be fair in all their judgment. and preserve justice in their lives and to the powerless. Justice is rendering to all their due, according as our relation and obligation to them, in their bodies, goods, and good name. Act justly before mercy. Openly without deception and taking advantage of the weak. God hates robbery for a burnt-offering.

Second, love mercy. God is the author of goodness and mercy. He delights His people to show the same. Giving someone who need compassion. One can sacrifice without compassion. Even if the person is guilty, that you be kind and forgiving. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Third, live obediently (humble) before your God. Isaiah spoke for God in Isaiah 57:15 when he said God lives on a high and holy place and the contrite and lowly of spirit live with Him. Besides this, in Isaiah 66:2, God spoke through Isaiah and said He would look to the humble and contrite of spirit. Humility before God is what God required of the Israelites.

Without these traits. our services are vain oblations. It is more than all burnt-offerings and sacrifices. Christ is the perfect example of justice, mercy and humility.

Prayer: Lord I acknowledge Your holiness thus Your justice over sin. Yet because of Your mercy You have forgiven me of my sin in Christ. You have redeemed me and granted me to be a blessing to others. I am living by Your mercy every moment. I am able to extend to others as You have given me. I will walk humbly in dependence upon You to live justly and show mercy.

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