Read Micah 6.
As the third message begins, the courtroom metaphor returns. The LORD delivered His indictments and challenges the people to "plead your case."
Next, God presented three pieces of historic evidence.
1. He redeemed them. (v.4a)
The nation lived in slavery and by blood, both of the Passover lamb and the death of Egypt's firstborn, God bought them and brought them out.
2. He sent them godly leaders. (v.4b)
The LORD called Moses, along with Aaron and Miriam, to provide His word and His worship.
3. He provided for them. (v.5)
He protected them from those who wanted to curse His people. They saw miracle after miracle as they traveled to the promised land.
How should the accused respond? (vv.6-8)
The nation had focused on outward rituals of religiosity both at the Temple and in worshiping false gods for life-guidance. Micah offered several exaggerated statements of hypothetical sacrifices to pay for their sin. True, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). Those outward sacrifices only had value when they came from a heart that was personally in right relationship with the LORD. But none of these is what God had already told them to do (v.8a).
Micah 6:8 is, perhaps, the second most quoted verse in the book, after 5:21. It refers back to God's previous instructions in the Law, such as Deuteronomy 10:12-"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
Here is how Jesus stated it: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40).
Our personal relationship with Jesus will determine how we treat people.
As Bill Gaither wrote, "It's not that complicated."
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