Theological Commentary: Click Here
Micah 6 is a
stereotypical prophetic chapter. This
chapter contains a warning against the Hebrew people. It gives God’s past grievance as well as expectation
for behavior. It also lists consequences
should the warning not be heeded. When
someone mentions a prophet, this chapter is typically what comes to mind.
To take the
issues in order, start with God’s grievance.
What have the people done wrong?
The people have not remembered God’s previous loyalty. He brought them out of Egypt. He gave them the promised land. He is their source and their sustenance. Yet, they continue to ignore Him and do their
own thing.
What is God’s
expected behavior? I love Micah 6:8
because of its simplicity. Life is seldom
ever this easy, but Micah 6:8 isn’t complicate.
First, act justly. Second, love
mercy. Third, walk humbly. Promote justice, understand that the world
isn’t perfect, understand that you aren’t perfect, either. It’s really a simple message.
What I love
about God’s expected behavior is that it is outwardly focused. In fact, the only thing that is inwardly
focused is focused on our humbleness! It
really is about killing the selfishness that lies within and paying attention
to the world around us. To act justly
means to make decisions that are right, not right-for-me. To love mercy means to be understanding about
the flaws of those around us. To walk
humbly means to accept that we are not perfect and to follow the one who is,
God.
What are the
consequences of not being obedient to this?
God tells the people that their life will become difficult. When they try to store up for the future,
they will be unable to do so. Their
crops will fail. Their meals won’t
satisfy. Their culture will be ruined. The nations around them will hold contempt
for them. In other words, God will give
them over to their humanity and allow them to push the self-destruct button.
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