The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE OF US?

These beautiful, famous words of the prophet Micah outline God’s simple expectations of his people: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6:8). These qualities of the heart that lead to a God-pleasing life have stood the test of time because they reflect the heart of God himself. Throughout the history of his interaction with his people, God has longed for them to remember his goodness and generosity to his people and to live in response to all they know about the Lord.

Jesus confronted the religious leaders of his day, the teachers of the law and Pharisees, for turning worship into drudgery and for outwardly doing all the right things but inwardly neglecting to show justice and mercy. He harshly criticized them, calling them “hypocrites” and “blind guides” (Mt 23:23 – 24). God desires that his people walk humbly with him, for as they walk with him, they become more like him. Jesus is the way (Jn 14:6). He is the One who came to serve, not to be served (Mk 10:45). When a crowd asked him what kind of works God requires, he simply answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (Jn 6:28 – 29). When Jesus’ people follow him with their whole hearts, they develop hearts like his — hearts that are compassionate and swift to do justice.

Jesus, thank you for making some things simple. Please help me to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with you. I want a heart like yours. Amen.