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
One of the challenges in communication is delivering your message in a way that the recipient understands. We all process information differently; some simply by listening, others require visual cues, and others learn by doing. Sometimes though, we try and fail; despite our best efforts, the message just isn't getting through. When that happens, we get frustrated and discouraged.
In today's verse, God is disgruntled with the children of Israel. He has freed them from slavery, shown them miracles, given them commandments, and they are being obtuse. Yet, no matter what he says or how he explains it, they simply aren't getting it. So he boils it down into the basics, "act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
We have to be honest with ourselves though, has anything really changed since then? Despite having heard what God expects, don't we still not get it. Not because we don't understand, but because we are willfully determined in man's ways of bias, hate, self-centeredness, and unfairness; simply put, we don't want to relinquish our selfishness and admit God's way is better. Can we only imagine God shaking his head, frustrated and discouraged?
God of infinite patience and compassion, we confess we too often choose the ways of man over your ways. God, we acknowledge you are our Lord, the ruler of our lives, and you are our loving parent and want only what is best for us. Please forgive us, and help us live humbly, act with justice, and love all. We ask this in the name of your Son and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
