March 20

Micah 6:6-8
What does the LORD require?
I am not proud to admit that at times in my life, I approach my life as one big “to do” list. It’s so easy to lose focus as a believer. It’s so easy to put my head down and get entrenched in the muck and mire of this earth.

In the Bible Recap reading plan, I have been paying careful attention to the times God’s personal Name, Yahweh (LORD) is used. Friends, it is used so very much. What does the LORD require?

In the Christian Standard Bible it says, “to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

In the Amplified version it says, “except to be just, and to love (and to diligently practice) kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your

God (setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness).”

In the Legacy Standard Bible it says, “but to do justice, to love lovingkindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

It is worth noting that in a time where the specificity of each offering, sacrifice, and incense was of the utmost importance, God points out through Micah that we are to “act justly,” “be just,” “but to do justice.” God also points out that we are to “love faithfulness,” “to love (and to diligently practice) kindness (compassion), and to “love lovingkindness.” God finally points in this passage that we are “to walk humbly with your God.”

Isn’t it interesting how the “justice” and “walk humbly” portions are so similar in the three translations but the “love faithfulness,” “to love (and to diligently practice) kindness (compassion), and to “love lovingkindness” portions are translated differently. Faithfulness, kindness, and love are all fruits of the Spirit. Wow! Way before Galatians came to be and in a time where God’s Spirit was very rarely in someone, God was already reminding His followers then and now about what is required and what true characteristics mark a person who loves Him.
During this lent season, I pray that we will all put aside our “to do” lists, lift our eyes up and reflect on justice, kindness, faithfulness, love, and truly walk humbly with our God.

Reflection:
1. What gets you bogged down in the muck and mire of this life? Try journaling a prayer to God and ask for His help to direct you during this lent season.
2. Are you acting justly, are you loving faithfulness, kindness, and compassion? Are you walking humbly with the LORD? Is there one or more of these areas you could pursue more deeply in your relationship with God?

Dear God, we are so very grateful for this time to stop and reflect on Jesus. We are so grateful for the living, breathing Words in the Bible that remind us of who You are and what You require. We need You. We are desperate for You. May we fix our eyes upward on You-the Author and Perfecter of our faith. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray,
Amen