Called to the Basics

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Communication is never one-size-fits-all. We speak, illustrate, embody—and still, sometimes, the message doesn’t land. God knows this frustration. The prophets spoke, miracles unfolded, commandments were given, and still the people missed the point. So, God distilled it: not a new law, but a return to the heart of covenant faithfulness.

Jesus, too, faced the same resistance. Like the prophets before him, he spoke plainly and lived boldly embodying justice, mercy, and humility in every encounter. Yet even his closest followers struggled to grasp the heart of his message. 

In Matthew’s Gospel, he echoes Micah’s call: “Woe to you… You give a tenth… but you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter…” (Matthew 23:23). His life was a living sermon, yet still, the message was missed. Not because it was unclear, but because it was costly. To follow Jesus meant reordering priorities, releasing power, and embracing the vulnerable.

Micah’s words weren’t just for ancient Israel. They were Jesus’ words, too. And they’re still God’s words to us.

And here we are. Still hearing. Still struggling. Not because we’re confused, but because surrender is hard. Justice asks us to confront systems. Mercy asks us to soften our grip. Humility asks us to walk—not run—beside God.

But the invitation remains. Not to shame us, but to shape us. Micah’s words are not a reprimand—they’re a rhythm. A way of life that still speaks, still calls, and still transforms.

God of clarity and compassion,

You have shown us what is good.

In a world that complicates and resists,

You offer a simple, sacred way:

To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.

Forgive us when we forget,

when we choose pride over partnership,

and comfort over compassion.

Renew in us a desire to live your rhythm—

to act with courage,

to love with tenderness,

and to walk with you in trust.

May your Spirit guide our steps

and your grace shape our hearts.

In the name of Jesus, who walked humbly and loved deeply,

Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim