There is a clarion call in the prophets to turn from that which separates us from God, and each other, and return back to the way that leads to life. Truth be told, no one likes that message! In fact, these prophets were often killed, for their messages asked the people to be attentive to the path they were on. Sadly, history has repeated itself as we often seek the answers of how to change others, rather than seeking to deal with our own waywardness.
In the Prophet Micah, the people of God have negated their call to walk with God. They have learned to sit in a place of complaint and question God and God’s motives. As the people try to figure out what God wants (aka, how do we get God to do what we want), a statement is made saying,
“With what should I approach the LORD and bow down before God on high? Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil? Should I give my oldest child for my crime; the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit?”
This is the performance based faith—God responds if and when I do the right thing. Jesus fights it constantly as the religious community tries to entice God to pay attention. If based on merit, then grace ceases to exist!
Instead of living based on merit, the call is given to the people. Micah proclaims to the people,
“He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.”
Yes, the way of life is to enact the way of God! For God is about justice, revealed through our love of all of creation, by the walking with God and learning all along the way. Are you seeking justice, loving faithfully, and walking humbly with God?