Read

Micah 6:1-7:20
2 Chronicles 32:1-8
2 Kings 18:13-37
Isaiah 36:1-22

Micah 6:6-8, “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? 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.”

Think

In every significant relationship, there are moments of tension — especially with those closest to us. When tempers run high, it’s not uncommon to hear a child or a spouse shout out in frustration, “What do you want from me?!” There’s an underlying feeling that they have gone above and beyond to do what is needed, but it’s just never enough to satisfy.

Many of us have also approached God with similar cries:

“God, I have been obedient!”

“Why have you allowed this to happen?”

“Why haven’t you given me the ONE THING I desire?”

It’s not wrong to cry out to God; He loves and cares about us deeply. But accusing God of withholding good or trying to bargain with Him is pridefully putting ourselves on His level. It’s assuming we see and understand what God does. It’s forgetting the high price He paid to rescue us from sin and death.

So, what does God require? It’s not a thousand rams or ten thousand rivers of oil. God asks us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. When we do what He requires, our lives will be blessed and packed with purpose!

Pray

Oh Lord, You are mightier, wiser, and stronger than me! Forgive me for thinking that I know what’s best. Humble me, Lord, and remind me that I am a sinner saved by grace. Help me to walk humbly with You, day by day. Amen.