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As we look at many of the things going on in our world today -- inflation, cost of gas, food and prescriptions, health care, shortages and supply chains, wars, pandemics and diseases, and even strained relationships, struggling families and frequently -- we see a lack of respect for life and laws.
Unfortunately, various emotions can surface within us: Fear, anger, feelings of being overwhelmed, hopelessness and too often faithlessness. These responses occur when we look at life through a worldview. What can we do? What are the answers? Where is the justice? Who do we turn to?
One thing is for sure, this is a time to turn to God and not away from Him.
Micah was a minor prophet in the Old Testament; a contemporary of Amos, Hosea, Jonah and Isaiah. Micah lived in a time when the Israelites were governed by corrupt leaders, unfair judges and false prophets claiming to hear from God. The people themselves had turned from the Laws of Moses and were worshiping pagan idols and gods. They adopted a worldview mindset.
Micah gives many prophetic warnings of what lies ahead as a consequence of such choices. However, there was a remnant of faithful believers. To these Micah brings a message of hope.
Central to the messages of Micah is what is called "The Micah Mandate" in Micah 6:8 NKJV.
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?"
God provides four steps to handle whatever we deal with in this life. First, "to do justly" which means to do what is right, according to God. How do we find out?
The Word of God is our instruction manual written with God's breath.
"But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." James 1:25 NLT
Second, we are "to love mercy." Our God loves to give mercy (Micah 7:18). Mercy is not only receiving forgiveness but also is not receiving the punishment that is due. Yikes! Honestly, we are always glad to receive mercy but we struggle to give mercy.
Our movies and books are full of vengeance, seeing the bad guys suffer no matter what. However, we are not here to judge, point fingers at or condemn; that is God's job even when the accused is totally guilty. Romans 12:18-19 NIV "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
Romans 12 continues with instructions for us in verses 20a, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…" And finally Romans 12:21 NIV, "Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."
Third, "walk humbly." We really are unable to do right and be merciful unless we have a humble heart. Humility can be tricky to grasp. Humility is the opposite of pride which is all about "me." Pride tells God I know more and better than You. Pride tells God I do not trust You. We ask how, can I be humble?
First, turn to the example of Jesus. Philippians 2:8-11 NIV explains how Jesus, "being the very form of God" humbled Himself by coming to earth and sacrificing His life for ours so that we can have salvation; a Savior bringing light to darkness. (Micah 7:7-9).
Jesus put all before Himself. Still, being humble is not easy and can be hard. But it truly sets you free and allows us to know God and come closer to Him. God has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us through life. 1 Peter 5: 5-7 NIV tells us to "clothe yourselves with humility toward another." We choose, we put on, humbleness just like we dress for the day.
One of the best humble meters is the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 6:22-22. When you are truly walking with God, the Fruit of the Spirit will be evident in your life because you are choosing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. What are the Fruit?
"Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." If you are doing the opposite. It is time to stop, turn to God in prayer and ask for forgiveness and ask for the Fruit to be in your heart.
And last, we are to do the first three "with God." There is no way we can to do what is right, have a heart of mercy and live humbly without God.
Our vengeful flesh fights it every step of the way. How do we turn to God? By giving God your life, believing and needing Jesus Christ as your Savior. Sin separates us from God. Confessing sin and asking for forgiveness in Jesus' name unites us to God.
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 NIV
When we are following the Micah Mandate, it encourages, uplifts, redirects our focus from the negative to the positive, strengthens our dependence on God and builds our faith in the fact that God has a plan and a purpose for each of us and He is in control. Always remember whatever we or the world is going through, it is only temporary. Jesus is returning.
Jesus gave us two promises, among many, to help in these times: John 16:33 NIV "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."; Matthew 28a NIV "…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
I encourage you to spend some time reading Micah for better understanding. Use the gifts of prayer, worship and fellowship with believers. God bless each of you as you live each day with Jesus.
How we live, speak and choose reveals who we live for.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Janis Heiser who pastors a Home Church online and in Lock Haven.