This is part of the New Song Series, short choruses drawn from Scripture, each one taking a passage of God’s Word and setting its central hope to song, so that truth can be carried with us throughout our week.
Micah is an honest book, I love that - it doesn’t ignore the brokenness of the world, nor pretend that God’s people were somehow better than everyone else. The prophet speaks to a nation that had drifted from justice, neglected mercy, and become comfortable with a religion that still looked impressive on the outside, when in fact their hearts had wandered far from God.
Then Micah asks a question that has echoed through to today.
“With what shall I come before the Lord?” In other words, what could I possibly bring to God that would make things right between us?
Should I bring burnt offerings? More sacrifices? Thousands of rams? Ten thousand rivers of oil? Should I bring my prayer time, my achievements, my church attendance list, my songs, my likes, my followers or the lack thereof?
What, O God of Righteousness, do you require of me?
God’s answer is both wonderfully simple and deeply searching.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
The point is not that sacrifices never mattered. Throughout Israel’s history they had their God-given place. The point is that God has never smiled upon religious (or any other) activity that is essentially outward, leaving the heart unchanged.
He is not looking for people who know how to appear faithful while living without compassion, honesty, or humility. He is looking for men and women whose lives are being shaped by His own character. The question is: How do we do this knowing the state of our own heart, and society around us?
I think the key is found at the end of Micah, to focus not on human failure but on God’s Character, God’s heart?
That is why the end of Micah is so full of hope.
After speaking honestly about sin and judgment, we are drawn to God. Who delights in showing mercy and not in judgement. He delights in forgiveness, and I for one am grateful for this fact.
“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression?… You do not stay angry forever, because You delight in steadfast love.”
When we begin to see God for who he is, and receive from His hand. Something changes, and this radical Theology of fixing our eyes on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God … brings us to reflect the goodness we have received from Him rather than trying to do something to gain His approval. It brings us to do what is right out of a response! The overflow of Grace poured out upon us, brings us to obey out of love rather than out of law.
As with every prophet, the words lead us to The Hope of Christ … to the New Covenant ushered in by His own blood.
So this song is our reminder to first, see God … and then respond to Him. By doing this, there is no telling how beautiful the world would be.
If you have a moment, read Micah 6 & 7 and draw near to Christ who: while we were powerless, died for us … that Mercy would triumph where judgement waves it’s gavel.
Hear my prayer Oh Lord.
Let me behold you in all your magnitude and splendor. Let me see your work upon the cross, and as these two realities form in my heart and mind. May faith rise up, and my life respond to your goodness.
Amen
