LEARNING DAILY

Micah 6:1-2, Listen to what the Lord is saying: 'Stand up and state your case against Me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against His people. He will bring charges against Israel. (NLT)

Some Bible scholars portray this as a courtroom where the prophet Micah represents God and the people of Israel are being called to stand before the Lord to give an account for their disobedience and unfaithfulness. Read the verses again and hear the emotion with the words God is speaking. “Stand up and state your case against Me.” “Did the Israelites suggest He had done something to make them impatient and disobedient?” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Do you feel the tension in this “courtroom” where the people are being challenged to defend themselves?

This confrontation makes me wonder how the people of this country would try to defend or explain their disobedience and unfaithfulness before God. I believe we all know that the people of this country are not living in harmony with the Word of God. This verse should cause every Believer to evaluate their own walk of faith to be sure it is in line with what God demands. We fool only ourselves when we think God does not see the life we live, does not hear the words we speak, and does not know a life committed to living for themselves and not Him. Just like God asked Israel, He asks each of us what right we have to live any way we want to.  

The prophet Micah called the people to reflect on their lifestyle, to repent and return to living for God. There is judgment coming for those who do not. At the same time, Micah emphasizes desire for them to live in His mercy and be humble. This verse shows the need for Believers to take the time to listen to God as they read His Word and pray; this is a daily need. Doing so helps Believers to be led by Him and to also be corrected by Him when necessary. As a parent, you do not continually talk down or condemn your child. Instead, you guide and help your child into correct and positive behavior.

God’s Word gives direction to walk the narrow way into God’s eternal kingdom. Every Believer needs this guidance to live justly and righteously in this world with constant challenges. Not one of us is strong enough or knows so much that he/she can live daily without God’s Word. Take the time to consider your need to begin the day in God’s Word and prayer. Then align your actions with the lifestyle that He desires you to walk in.