April 2

God's Requirements

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? — Mic 6:8 BSB

Micah was a man of the people and a true patriot. In his day, the political outlook was bleak, and he realized that the only thing that could save his nation was a deep and widespread spiritual revival. When the people asked if God wanted sacrifices like those offered by the pagan nations, including the sacrifice of children, the answer was clear: God desired something far more spiritual and profound—“He has shown you, O man, what is good” (Micah 6:8).

Let’s embrace this three-part message. First, we must do justly, giving everyone their rightful due. We must meet the legitimate claims of our families, neighbors, and communities, and give each what they deserve.

Second, we are to love mercy. There are people who may no longer deserve our mercy—the prisoner, the fallen, the helpless, our enemies—yet we are to help them not grudgingly, but with joy and willingness. Don’t wait to feel mercy before you act on it. Step into a life of selfless service, and you will find yourself growing to love mercy. James tells us that pure religion includes caring for the widow and orphan in their distress, just as much as it includes keeping ourselves unstained by the world.

Finally, we must walk humbly with God, neither lagging behind nor rushing ahead. We walk with Him hand in hand, as many have done throughout history. True religion is not found in sacrifices, rituals, or even acts of charity—though these have their place—but in a life of humble, holy living before God.

But what about those who have tried and failed, those who feel the weight of guilt and sin? The closing verses of Micah offer hope: God not only forgives, but He also overcomes our sins. He will return to us in compassion, casting our sins into the depths of the sea. He delights in showing mercy. Who is a God like You?

Prayer

O Lord, may Your all-powerful grace perfect us as You have called us to be. Amen.