Micah 6:6-8

Introduction:

1. In a world that is so morally confused, a little clarity is quite refreshing.

2. Micah 6:6-8 shows Israel asking what God demanded of them in the wake of impending judgment, and the Lord’s answer is remarkably simple.

3. Though the details may differ under the New Covenant, the core principles remain.

Discussion:

I. Do Justly

A. This may seem so simple as to need no explanation, but this is short-sighted.

B. Justice: that which aligns with right standards; where do we find right standards?

C. God is the intrinsically just, righteous, good One (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 89:14; Isaiah 6:3; 30:18; Daniel 4:37; Matthew 19:17; James 1:17; Revelation 15:3).

D. His people must do that which flows from His nature (Deuteronomy 10:12ff; Romans 1:16-17).

II. Love Mercy

A. The term translated mercy is one of the most theologically rich in the OT.

B. It is variously translated in the NKJV as mercy (Exodus 20:6; 34:6; Hosea 6:6), kindness (Genesis 40:14), favor (Esther 2:9), and loveliness (Isaiah 40:6).

C. The ASV, ESV, NASB, etc. most often translate it as steadfast love or faithfulness.

D. In the lexicons, the main idea is faithfully pursuing the good of the other.

III. Walk Humbly

A. To fulfill the obligations of justice and mercy, one must walk in such a way that accurately reflects subservience to God.

B. These things demand a proper view of oneself in relation to the Almighty (Psalms 51:1-3, 9-10, 17; 2 Chronicles 32:26 ; 33:18-19; 34:26-27; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2; Daniel 4:37).

Conclusion:

1. To be sure there are many specific beliefs and practices under this umbrella.

2. But this is a succinct summary of the whole system, and the heart given to the pursuit of these three principles will be found faithful in the end.

Further Food for Thought

1. Do you think we sometimes overthink the process of growing in faithfulness?

2. Do we ever fall into the trap of the Pharisees majoring in minors? (Matthew 23:23)

3. How do we avoid the ditches on each side of the narrow way: the one being neglect of the weightier matters and the other being disregard for the other elements?