02/08/2009

Proverbs 29:21 Being kind without pampering

Scripture Reading: #655

Vesper’s: Spirituality - "Satan: the tempter."

Wednesday evening: Paul’s approach to being a child of God; baptism; mysticism in spirituality; and, communion.

What is required of you?
He has showed you, O man, 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. Micah 6.8

Once upon a time, possibly around 750-725? B.C., there was a prophet from a little town in southern Judah. His name was Micah. There were other prophets, Isaiah and Hosea, in the region who were proclaiming the judgment of God coming on those who were claiming to be God's people.

It really shouldn't be surprising that the messages had some similarities, after all, they were to the same basic people-group, in the same region, during the same time-frame. The message from Micah dealt heavily with impending devastation of the cities, villages, and inhabitants of Israel and Judah.

While there were many transgressions, the bottom line was that God's people weren't living as God required of His people. The particular sins, in all their variety, weren't as important as the cause. The cause boiled down to an attitude that wasn’t pleasing to God or man.

Micah succinctly summed up the requirements - "...act justly," "love mercy," and "walk humbly with your God." This is Micah’s version of ‘Pay it forward’ theology. It is God’s Word to His people.

The problem was this – there were hundreds teaching this, but hardly anyone practicing it. Those teaching it were harsh and approaching God’s Word only from a negative, punitive position and not one of life, success, and hope.

The message from God to those who call themselves "God's people" is still the same. If I am walking with God I will be

· walking humbly

· holding mercy as an ultimate value

· and equitably just in all of my dealings.

How does one:

· act justly?

· love mercy?

· walk with God – humbly?

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Word Study on Micah 6:8

|5046| He has declared to you, |0120| man, |4100| what {is} |2896| good. And what |3068| Yahweh |1875| {is} seeking from you except |6213| to do |4941| justice, |0157| and to love |2580| grace, |6800| and to be humble |1980| to walk with |0430| your God? Micah 6:8 (literal with Strong’s numbering)

“Good” Strong's Ref. # 2896

Romanized towb: Pronounced tobe - from HSN2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well):

“Seeking” Strong's Ref. # 1875

Romanized darash: Pronounced daw-rash' - a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship:

“Justice” Strong's Ref. # 4941

Romanized mishpat: Pronounced mish-pawt' - from HSN8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or [participant's] divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly - justice, including a participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style:

“Mercy” Strong's Ref. # 2580

Romanized chen: Pronounced khane - from HSN2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):

“Humbly” Strong's Ref. # 6800

Romanized tsana`: Pronounced tsaw-nah' - a primitive root; to humiliate:

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My failings are many and often, but Micah said that God takes great pleasure in forgiving anyone who truly is sorry and wants to change.