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. Micah 6:8 NIV

Micah is known as one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Chapter one begins with a message of judgment for corruption and failing to obey the law of God. This portion includes encouraging words for restoration that led to a revival of devotion and obedience to the Lord.

The scripture from chapter six teaching that the Lord requires his people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God is part of a narrative in which God presents his case against Israel. These scriptures demonstrate God’s justice and Israel’s guilt. 

Also, the sixth chapter details the punishment God intends for Israel. Micah 6:12-13 says of Israel, “For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. KJV”

A Call to Repentance

Although Micah pronounced the Lord’s displeasure and judgment against the wickedness of his people, the inclusion of hopeful words of restoration sent a clear message. God desires revival. He intends to lead his people to repentance and redemption through the conviction of their sins. 

God’s message of restoration is indicated in the answer to his question, “What does the Lord require of you?” God called his people to return to him, acting justly, loving mercy, and to walk humbly with him. As Jesus responded to those displeased with him for eating with sinners in Matthew 9:13, “But you go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. WEB” 

Yesterday’s Devotional: Sing Songs of Praise