Christ Church Daily Devotion May 4 2024

Micah chapter 6, verses 6-8 remind us of what it means to be God's people. It's not about sacrifices, but about acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Micah, a prophet during a time of upheaval, identified with the poor and oppressed, like Jesus. Our worship is only authentic when we treat others well, especially those in need. Let this be our prayer today. Amen. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for May 4th, 2024. Today we will be reading from Micah chapter 6, verses 6 through 8. Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The last twelve books of the Old Testament are known as the Twelve Minor Prophets. Micah is number six among them. He was probably a contemporary of Isaiah and was from a small village outside of Jerusalem. The name Micah means, Who is like Yahweh? He identified with the poor and the oppressed, as did Jesus. He prophesied during a time of great upheaval and judgment for both Israel and Judah. At the end of the book are words of hope for the future of God's people. However, here in chapter 6, God is still bringing a case of judgment against His people. In the midst of those charges are these verses, offering reminders of the core of what it means to be God's people. Verses 6 and 7 speak of the sacrifices commonly associated with worship of God at that time. But those are not the foundational part of what God expects. I love the simplicity of it. To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. As is so often taught throughout the Bible, it all comes down to our relationship with people and with God. It's about treating people right, especially those most in need. When we do that, then and only then God accepts our worship as authentic. Thanks be to God for this simple reminder of what it means to be God's people. Your personal worship option today? To offer this prayer, or one like it in your own words? In Jesus' name, amen.