A New Day
(NRSV) Micah 6:8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
For the next few devotionals, I intend to focus on how we can strengthen our walk with God. It seems the new year provides the perfect opportunity to renew our commitment to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Micah was one of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. As you remember, being labeled a minor prophet was due to the small volume of work produced as compared to prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah. But the smaller amount of work makes his contribution no less significant.
I have looked for justice for most of my seventy-three years, but I have to say the idea has been elusive. Yet this scripture calls out to me, beckoning me to treat others justly, or fairly, even if I am not treated that way myself. How do I accomplish such a goal?
Firstly, by remembering that treating others justly is a requirement of God. I like to remind myself, and others, that God’s requirements are not suggestions. They are more akin to rules by which we should live.
Secondly, I acknowledge the fact that while man often lives according to what is right vs wrong, God’s measure is good vs evil. What is the difference? Right and wrong are moral values that are subject to change based on culture and even the passage of time. Good vs evil are spiritual values defined by God and are thus unchanging.
He has told you, oh man, what is good. Choose good.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
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Seeking Holiness 