Our scripture today is Micah 6:8 (ESV).
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?
We’ve looked at this scripture before, but it was up again today on Bible.com, perhaps a sign we need to hear it again. I like using their scripture reading because it’s a surprise each day and makes me think about what I’m studying each morning. I found when I picked my own passages I would sometimes avoid difficult sections, and tended to only choose “happy” scriptures.
Unfortunately, life isn’t always the happy experience we hope for. The prophet Micah met resistance to his call for repentance and care for one another. Even though the people didn’t heed his words, he still preached that there was hope for the future. In Micah 5:2 we read “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
Micah reminds the people (and us) that God has told us what is necessary – be honest with Him and each other, love and care for all things, and always follow His path, not our own. We will always encounter obstacles and resistance to our discipleship, but with His help we will share the Good News with everyone.
Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we fail to love each other as You have taught us. Forgive us, and send us to be Your messengers everywhere. Amen.
