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ERIODICALLY we stumble across a
verse that leaps off the page & seems to eclipse its sisters & define a
whole chapter, or even a book. Micah 6:8 is one such verse. Knowing what God
expects from us is of course incredibly pertinent. Sadly, Israel knew exactly
what was expected of her, but she still didn't do it.
Again, Micah uses a couple of
imperatives at the beginning of this chapter, "Hear ye! Hear ye! (vs. 1-2).
We have read before about the controversy that God had with Israel (remember
Hosea 4:1). It is mentioned again here. And, Micah points out that God is also
pleading with Israel. In defense of His track record with them, He rhetorically
asks when & where He had ever failed them (vs. 3).
So, "in exchange" for
His extravagant grace, what did God want from the Jews? And, what does He
want from us?
Certainly, we can never repay Him for all of His
kindnesses. But we do owe Him anything that He demands from us. But what are
those expectations. Micah 6:6-7 reminds us that God does not need sacrifices
(Hebrews 10:6-7). We know that He has demanded them in every generation, but
these sacrifices are really only indicators & proofs of something
else. Sacrifices without sincerity &
without holy spirituality are meaningless. Apparently, the Jews were willing to
keep some of the rituals that Moses commanded, but they weren't the least bit
interested in actual morality, nor in humble communion with their Maker. This
chapter closes with yet another description of the punishments that Israel had
coming to her because she just wouldn't get with the program.
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