Micah 6:6-8 (NLT)
What can we bring to the Lord?
Should we bring him burnt offerings?
Should we bow before God Most High
with offerings of yearling calves?
Should we offer him thousands of rams
and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Should we sacrifice our firstborn children
to pay for our sins?
No, O people,
the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
I recently spent some time wondering just how those scripture verses in Micah applied to Christ followers in our world.
It seems that the word "Mercy" is used in different ways in the Scriptures, but one of the most moving to me is that "Mercy" seems to be connected with "God NOT doing something."
It seems that the word "Mercy" is used in different ways in the Scriptures, but one of the most moving to me is that "Mercy" seems to be connected with "God NOT doing something."
The mercy of God is ultimately shown in His forgiveness - in God NOT punishing us for our sins, for the way we let him down, and the way we lack true obedience. God doesn't punish his followers, his children, as they deserve - He forgives.
God paid the price for our failures.
The Latin word merced or merces - translated as Mercy, means "price paid." It has the connotation of forgiveness, benevolence and kindness.
Mercy from God says that He acts gently and kindly towards his children.
So if we look at it that way, we see what this Mercy is.
It is God not giving us what we deserve.
And that's a very humbling thought.
In Micah 6, the people are being told that loving mercy is truly understanding our own sinfulness. He says, "the Lord has told you what is good," stressing our dependence and station as created children of the God of the universe.
The God of the Universe! This is the one and only God who has so graciously forgiven, loved, and gifted us with his help and compassion.
How can we do anything other than walk humbly before Him?
We lay our sin-filled lives before you
with eyes downcast, almost afraid.
We seek You Father, King, Creator,
dejected, daunted and dismayed.
We know you've promised not to leave us
even when from your path we've strayed.
So
We ask for Grace and Mercy from you,
And with a gentle touch you tell us
My Child, my love, your debt is paid.
O, Diane, Sometimes I read several of your blogs together at one time. Then I really appreciate His word that He has given you the ability to write. Then I realize how very much I need that Word and pray that He will continue to be with me and continue to give you that ability that is so precious to me and to all who are able to read about Him in this way. I love you and my brother so much, and I love my God and His message. I've kind of rambled on and on here, sorry.
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