What Jehovah Requires
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
4/21/2013 PM
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Text:
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Micah 6:8
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Psalters: |
15, 385, 356, 109 |
- That He requires.
- The scene in Judah at this time is that there were many evils prevailing in Judah.
- This chapter begins as if a legal procedure is taking place in a court of law (6:1ff).
- God is arguing His case against His people (2,3).
- Judah responds by acknowledging their sin and asking what God would have them do (6,7)?
- What God requires are the requirements of His covenant.
- In the covenant God has a living relationship with His chosen people: they live in blessed companionship.
- He blesses them with many wonderful gifts, and provides for all their needs for time and for eternity.
- God requires certain things of His covenant people – their part! Our part is the fruit of God’s part.
- What is our part? To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.
- These requirements God showed long before; they are not new to Micah’s day.
- What we owe our neighbor is to do justly and to love mercy.
- “Justly” refers to treat equitably others, especially for the poor and disadvantaged.
- And God requires that we love mercy: an inner delight to help the needy and distressed.
- And God requires that we walk humbly with our God, i.e., live in close communion with Him.
- To “walk” has us thinking of two walking together, enjoying each other’s company.
- “Humbly” is the only way to walk with the almighty and thrice-holy God.
- Only when we walk humbly with our God will we do justly and love mercy.
- God has shown us what is good (8a).
- What is “good” is what is morally good, reflecting the very goodness of God and showing what is pleasing to Him.
- When God’s people are pleasing to Him, then they taste His blessing.
- What blessings are in store for those who walk humbly with God, doing justly and loving mercy!