Our scripture this morning is Micah 6:1-8.
Now listen to what the Lord is saying: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your complaint. Listen to the Lord’s lawsuit, you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth, because the Lord has a case against his people, and he will argue it against Israel. My people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Testify against me! Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from that place of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam ahead of you. My people, remember what King Balak of Moab proposed, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from the Acacia Grove to Gilgal so that you may acknowledge the Lord’s righteous acts. What should I bring before the Lord when I come to bow before God on high? Should I come before him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousand streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the offspring of my body for my own sin? Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.
The list of things God wants from us is short – act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with Him. It seems very simple and God intended it to be that way. We are the ones who have complicated things, creating loopholes and excuses for our behavior and attitudes.
We seem to look for any way possible to justify our wrongdoing, and absolve ourselves of guilt. There is no way to right our wrongs but in His mercy, we can be saved by faith. Jesus came to offer Himself as the atonement for all sin, for all time.
We must take the first step, admitting our failures and accepting the love of Christ in our lives. God wants us all to walk with Him in love. We can be renewed through His example, and be part of His kingdom work.
Loving Lord, we are lost creatures on our own. Thank You for sending Jesus to lead us back to connection with You. Bless us and send us to use Your gifts for the good of all. Amen.