Psalm 32:8-9 (NLT), 8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
“Not only did Micah’s message spare his generation from Assyrian conquest, but decades later his testimony and the people’s response to it saved the life of Jeremiah. Micah’s mission was accomplished in those days. Will it be accomplished in ours?” – Dr. Charles Swindoll
The Lord’s Case Against Israel
Micah 6:1-3, 1 Listen to what the Lord says: Stand up, plead my case before the mountain; let the hills hear what you have to say. 2 “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. 3 “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me.
Micah 6:4-7, 4 I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. 5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.” 6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
Romans 8:32, He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
- The Bible is clear – GOD GIVES HIS BEST to those WHO LEAVE THEIR CHOICES TO HIM!
John 15:10, If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
- Shittim was the last place Israel camped after their rebellion caused them to spend forty years in the wilderness instead of living in God’s best.
- Gilgal represents the fulfillment of God’s promise.
God’s Prescription for Hope and Happiness
Micah 6:8
Micah 6:8, 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.
Mortal – “adam” – human being
Good – “towb”- what is beautiful and best in every way
Require – “darash” – to ask
- ACT JUSTLY
- MICAH’S MESSAGE – Israel’s sins and pain were rooted in IDOLATRY and INJUSTICE.
Romans 1:18, The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth . . .
2. LOVE MERCY
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” – Mother Teresa
Romans 2:1,4, 1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. . . 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
3. WALK HUMBLY
2 Chronicles 7:14, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.