That Verse Again!

I first heard this verse when I was about 13 years old at a mid-week church program. This was one of many Bible verses we were required to memorize to earn our badges. I'm sure I've heard it off and on since then, but I don't recall hearing it come to life like it has lately for me. Last June I was attending some significant meetings where this verse was emphasized, taught on and passionately brought to life. It has rattled around in my brain over and over since then. Once again, this past month I've read and heard it repeatedly; then this past weekend our pastor preached on it! It has caused me to ask the question, "Is God talking to me?! And is He talking to me so I can talk to you?! ...I think the answer is a solid "yes"!

"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

Simply put this means we need to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.

I need to genuinely care for and work towards meeting the needs of those around me. And I need to spur others to do the same, while faithfully walking with God everyday.

You see people need to matter to us, because they matter to God!

Look at what Matt. 23:23 says, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former." NIV

This is important to God! He loves those whom He has created, and He wants us to show others we love them because God loves them.

Perhaps The Message Bible will give you another perspective on this. "But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously." Micah 6:8 (italics mine) 

It's time for us to put into practice what God has been speaking about over and over again. Our world needs to hear about and meet Jesus, and the best way for that to happen is through everyday people like you and me. By sitting across the table and listening - then offering Jesus in the midst of their situation. Jesus isn't about quick fixes and simple answers, He's about saving us from our sins and setting us free from the chains that hold us down. Jesus is for you and me; and the rest of our world needs to meet Him too! I believe God wants you and I to begin to intentionally build relationships with others so when the time is right we can offer Jesus into the situation. Let's prayerfully begin to finds ways to live out Micah 6:8 in our lives.

Jo-Ann