Read Micah 6:6-8
In this short book of the Bible, the prophet Micah is bringing God's message to the people of Judah. These people had been rebellious and would soon face God's wrath and judgment for their wickedness. After announcing the coming judgment of Judah, Micah anticipates the Israelites' response in Micah 6:6-7. In these 2 verses, Micah voices what he knows the Israelites are thinking, which is ultimately, "how many sacrifices will it take to get us out of this mess?" The people of Judah would first think of offering sacrifices to appease the wrath of God. In verses 6-7, Micah lists extravagant sacrifices such as burnt offerings, yearling calves, thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil, and even a firstborn son! Micah isn't literally suggesting human sacrifice as a way to please God, because this act is something God detests. Rather, Micah is exaggerating to make a point--how many sacrifices should be given to the Lord to appease Him, and how costly must those sacrifices be?
In verse 8 we see what God really wants from His people...a loving heart and a godly life! Yes, God created the sacrificial system, but He is stressing the fact that costly sacrifices mean nothing to Him without a changed heart. God wants obedience and godliness over rituals. Those sacrifices should be an outward act of obedience overflowing from a loving heart. Though we don't perform sacrifices today, this concept can still apply to us. Do you think going to church, singing praise songs, and giving money to the church means anything if your heart is far from God? He cares more about the state of your heart than about how many church functions you have attended. Again, ministry and worship should be an outpouring of your love for God, not an empty ritual.
So what exactly does God want from us, according to Micah 6:8? The prophet lists 3 things that the Lord has revealed. First, we are to "do justice." You don't have to read far in Scripture to see that God hates dishonest gain, lying, and cheating. God wants Christians to be fair and honest, living lives of integrity and justice. We're also to "love kindness." We are to love others, demonstrating compassion and loving kindness in our everyday lives. Last, we are to "walk humbly" with the Lord. Again and again in Scripture we see that God detests pride. Christians are to live lives of humble devotion to Christ rather than displaying arrogance or even self-reliance. We are to be dependent on Him in complete humility and to never forget the price Christ paid for us! We are undeserving of His salvation and that humble gratitude should govern our lives.
Pray right now that God would change your heart and help you to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly before Him. This is what He wants from us!
