Pastor’s Notes
As Micah delivered his message in chapter 6, his tone changes once again. He returns to the theme of judgment that characterized the first three chapters of his book. Micah began his book by bringing the people to the disaster they had invited into their lives. Chapter 4 and 5, Micah changes to a message of hope for Israel and you and I today. Chapter 6, Micah returns to where he began.
Chapter 6 is the pinnacle in which the entire book balances itself on. As we read this chapter in Micah, it’s easy to envision a courtroom scene. God is obviously the judge as the people of Israel sat at the defendant’s table. You can almost hear God ask the accused, “What have I done for you to treat me this way? What have I ever done but bless you?” God even begins to present all the evidence of His love for the people. This was really an open and shut case. Then we read verse 8, the verse that makes this chapter so powerful to the entire book.
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?”
In verse 8, God tells the people what He wants from their lives and also the error of their ways. God tells the people, “I am looking for people who profess faith, belief, and love for Me, not those who simply practice religious activities.” This is powerful as this was not what the people were doing each and every day. Like I said, open and shut case against the people of Israel.
Today, this is such a good and helpful message for you and I as well. It’s easy to live in wanting to satisfy a creator while not wanting to love our God. We can go to every church service, give 11%, and read our Bible daily, while still not have any relationship with the Father. Micah 6 calls us just as it did the people of Judah and Israel.
Scripture to go along with the message
Read James 2:17 as James speaks to us about balancing faith and works.
Highlight in your Bible
Highlight verse 8 in Micah 6.
Questions to consider
1.) Have you ever professed love of something, but did not practice it? Think of a worldly relationship (marriage, child, friend)
2.) Now assess your walk with Christ, have you ever done the same?