The Message

<div class="version vid97 iso6393eng" data-vid="97" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkMIC">
        <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="MIC.6">
            <div class="label">6</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">What </span><span class="nd"><span class="heading">God</span></span><span class="heading"> Is Looking For</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="label">1-2</span><span class="content">Listen now, listen to </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span><span class="content">:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">&#8220;Take your stand in court.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">If you have a complaint, tell the mountains;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">make your case to the hills.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">And now, Mountains, hear </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s case;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">listen, Jury Earth&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">For I am bringing charges against my people.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">I am building a case against Israel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1 v2" data-usfm="MIC.6.1+MIC.6.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="label">3-5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Dear people, how have I done you wrong?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">Have I burdened you, worn you out? Answer!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">I delivered you from a bad life in Egypt;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">I paid a good price to get you out of slavery.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">I sent Moses to lead you&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">and Aaron and Miriam to boot!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">Remember what Balak king of Moab tried to pull,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">and how Balaam son of Beor turned the tables on him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">Remember all those stories about Shittim and Gilgal.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">Keep all </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s salvation stories fresh and present.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3 v4 v5" data-usfm="MIC.6.3+MIC.6.4+MIC.6.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="label">6-7</span><span class="content">How can I stand up before </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">and show proper respect to the high God?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">Should I bring an armload of offerings</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">topped off with yearling calves?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">Would </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span><span class="content"> be impressed with thousands of rams,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">with buckets and barrels of olive oil?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">my precious baby, to cancel my sin?</span></span></div><div class="pc"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">* * *</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6 v7" data-usfm="MIC.6.6+MIC.6.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">But he&#8217;s already made it plain how to live, what to do,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="content">what </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span><span class="content"> is looking for in men and women.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="content">It&#8217;s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="content">be compassionate and loyal in your love,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="content">And don&#8217;t take yourself too seriously&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="content">take God seriously.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MIC.6.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MIC.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Attention! </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">God</span></span><span class="content"> calls out to the city!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MIC.6.9"><span class="content">If you know what&#8217;s good for you, you&#8217;ll listen.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MIC.6.9"><span class="content">So listen, all of you!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MIC.6.9"><span class="content">This is serious business.</span></span></div><div class="pc"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MIC.6.9"><span class="content">* * *</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MIC.6.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="label">10-16</span><span class="content">&#8220;Do you expect me to overlook obscene wealth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">you&#8217;ve piled up by cheating and fraud?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">Do you think I&#8217;ll tolerate shady deals</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">and shifty scheming?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">I&#8217;m tired of the violent rich</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">bullying their way with bluffs and lies.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">I&#8217;m fed up. Beginning now, you&#8217;re finished.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">You&#8217;ll pay for your sins down to your last cent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">No matter how much you get, it will never be enough&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">hollow stomachs, empty hearts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">No matter how hard you work, you&#8217;ll have nothing to show for it&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">bankrupt lives, wasted souls.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">You&#8217;ll plant grass</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">but never get a lawn.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">You&#8217;ll make jelly</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">but never spread it on your bread.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">You&#8217;ll press apples</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">but never drink the cider.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">You have lived by the standards of your king, Omri,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">the decadent lifestyle of the family of Ahab.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">Because you&#8217;ve slavishly followed their fashions,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">I&#8217;m forcing you into bankruptcy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">Your way of life will be laughed at, a tasteless joke.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10 v11 v12 v13 v14 v15 v16" data-usfm="MIC.6.10+MIC.6.11+MIC.6.12+MIC.6.13+MIC.6.14+MIC.6.15+MIC.6.16"><span class="content">Your lives will be derided as futile and fake.&#8221;</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

GOD
Listen now, listen to GOD:

“Take your stand in court.
If you have a complaint, tell the mountains;
make your case to the hills.
And now, Mountains, hear GOD’s case;
listen, Jury Earth—
For I am bringing charges against my people.
I am building a case against Israel.

“Dear people, how have I done you wrong?
Have I burdened you, worn you out? Answer!
I delivered you from a bad life in Egypt;
I paid a good price to get you out of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you—
and Aaron and Miriam to boot!
Remember what Balak king of Moab tried to pull,
and how Balaam son of Beor turned the tables on him.
Remember all those stories about Shittim and Gilgal.
Keep all GOD’s salvation stories fresh and present.”

How can I stand up before GOD
and show proper respect to the high God?
Should I bring an armload of offerings
topped off with yearling calves?
Would GOD be impressed with thousands of rams,
with buckets and barrels of olive oil?
Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child,
my precious baby, to cancel my sin?
* * *
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 neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.

Attention! GOD calls out to the city!
If you know what’s good for you, you’ll listen.
So listen, all of you!
This is serious business.
* * *
“Do you expect me to overlook obscene wealth
you’ve piled up by cheating and fraud?
Do you think I’ll tolerate shady deals
and shifty scheming?
I’m tired of the violent rich
bullying their way with bluffs and lies.
I’m fed up. Beginning now, you’re finished.
You’ll pay for your sins down to your last cent.
No matter how much you get, it will never be enough—
hollow stomachs, empty hearts.
No matter how hard you work, you’ll have nothing to show for it—
bankrupt lives, wasted souls.
You’ll plant grass
but never get a lawn.
You’ll make jelly
but never spread it on your bread.
You’ll press apples
but never drink the cider.
You have lived by the standards of your king, Omri,
the decadent lifestyle of the family of Ahab.
Because you’ve slavishly followed their fashions,
I’m forcing you into bankruptcy.
Your way of life will be laughed at, a tasteless joke.
Your lives will be derided as futile and fake.”

Terera ku Micah 6