Corruption marked the religious leaders of Micah's day. Most prophets proclaimed messages of approval to those who paid bribes, while they pronounced judgment upon those who did not. With the exception of Micah, there was an altering of the message to please the hearers for their own advantage. Therefore, few heard the word of the Lord as it should be. Sadly, the priests participated in this sinful manipulation of people for personal gain.

Micah prophesies, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; / And what does the LORD require of you / But to do justly, / To love mercy, / And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

Dr. George L. Robinson (1863-1958) writes, "This verse stands as the motto of the alcove of religion in the reading room of the Congressional Library in Washington."[i][1]

We understand governmental officials polled religious leaders to determine an appropriate text. They chose Micah 6:8 because they felt it best embodied the spirit of religion. Someone proposes that they selected Micah 6:8 as a social gospel text. Those following this theological persuasion view this text merely as an exhortation to be just and merciful toward one's fellow men, as if that were the real summation of religion.

If you ask James he would likely say, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

If you ask Jesus He might say in the words of His high priestly prayer recorded in John 17:3, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." There is no true religion without a personal relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, by God the Holy Spirit.

One commentary points out politicians have proclaimed Micah 6:8 often in their election campaigns and laments, "if only more would practice it."

From This Day in History we read, "On this day in 1958, President Eisenhower proclaims Law Day to honor the role of law in the creation of the United States of America. Three years later, Congress followed suit by passing a joint resolution establishing May 1 as Law Day.

The idea of a Law Day had first been proposed by the American Bar Association in 1957. . . . The American Bar Association defines Law Day as: 'A national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans share.' The language of the statute ordaining May 1 calls it 'a special day of celebration by the American people in appreciation of their liberties and rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law.' . . . Law Day asks Americans to focus upon every American's rights as laid out in the fundamental documents of American democracy: the Declaration of Independence and the federal Constitution. The declaration insists that Americans "find these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal," and guarantees the rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Bill of Rights amended to the Constitution codifies the rights of free speech, free press and fair trial."[ii][2]

Constitutional law in America based on the Judeo Christian Ethic is under constant attack from within and from without. A wise person cautions, "The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." One political pundit exclaims, "[The] threat of Sharia [Law] in America is a legal and political mirage." As much as I would like to believe his statement, I must question it. As Christians, we must take every threat seriously, or we could lose our freedom of speech and religion, in these United States of America. Theologians shower Micah 6:8 with numerous accolades. For example, Dr. Gerhard von Rad (1901-1971) says, "This is the quintessence of the commandments as the prophets understood them."[iii][3] Another commentator calls it "the finest summary of the context of practical religion to be found in the OT." According to yet another source we learn, "The rabbis who commented on this verse in the early centuries of the Christian era called it a one-line summary of the whole Law."[iv][4]

We will expound Micah 6:8 section by section.

I. The Divine Reminder from the Lord

Micah contends, "He has shown. . ." (Micah 6:8a) Please note this is in the past tense. This is not the first time Israel received this message. We read the essence of the law in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?"

God gives commandments for our good. The devil tries to make us think God's commandments are not for our good. This is the essence of temptation to question the goodness of God. God is great and God is good. Unlike some popular song that states, "God is great, beer is good." These lyrics border on blasphemy against the holy name of our Almighty God.

Dr. Albert Barnes (1798-1870) notes, "Micah changes the words of Moses, in order to adapt them to the crying sins of Israel at that time. He then upbraids them in detail, and that, with those sins which were patent, which, when brought home to them, they could not deny, the sins against their neighbor."[v][5]

Israel attempted to adhere to a mechanical ritualism without a moral righteousness. Many in this nation have lost their moral compass. It is hypocritical for immoral people to express moral outrage. Immoral people are destroying the foundation and fabric of this nation.

The nation of Israel in Micah's day lacked what David had when he prayed, "For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; / You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, / A broken and a contrite heart- These, O God, You will not despise" (Psalm 51:16-17).

George Santayana (1863-1952) states, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

II. The Duty-bound Recipient of the Lord

Micah convinces, "you, O man. . ." (Micah 6:8b) "O man" refers to any person in Israel.

From the pages of Grit magazine we read, "One trouble with the world is that so many people who stand up vigorously for their rights fall down miserably on their duties."

Dr. John F. Walvoord and Dr. Roy B. Zuck explain, "Many people in Micah's day were not being just (Micah 2:1-3; 3:1-3; 6:11), or showing loyal love to those to whom they were supposed to be committed (2:8-9; 3:10-11; 6:12), or walking in humble fellowship with God (2:3)."[vi][6]

III. The Daily Regimen unto the Lord

Micah continues, "what is good. . ." (Micah 6:8c)

Lexicographers remind us that a regimen is "a systematized course of living, as food, clothing, etc."

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 9:10a, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might."

Ken Kraft states, "The nearest to perfection most people ever come is when filling out an employment application."

We pray in the words of a song, "Just a closer walk with Thee,/ Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, / Daily walking close to Thee,/ Let it be, dear Lord, let it be."

In Ephesians 5:15-16 we read, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Just because someone uses the word "good" does not guarantee it means the same to them as to us. Although they use the same vocabulary they do not use the same dictionary. Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe explains, "Satan is so deceptive. He likes to borrow Christian vocabulary, but he does not use the Christian dictionary. Long before the false teachers had adopted these terms, the words had been in the Christian vocabulary."[vii][7]

Most world religions attempt to define what is good. However, it is only from the Bible that we learn the definitive answer. Even among those who believe in God there are many who practice a godless goodness.

We read in Mark 10:17-22, "Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?' So Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.' And he answered and said to Him, 'Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.' Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.' But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."

IV. The Doable Requirement by the Lord

Micah contemplates, "And what does the LORD require of you. . ." (Micah 6:8d)

Dr. Stephen Olford (1918- 2004) often said, "God's commandments are His enablements."

Dr. John Erskine (1879-1951) writes, "Most people have some sort of religion-at least they know which church they're staying away from."

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, also known as, Mark Twain, also said, "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

Moses writes in Genesis 18:19, "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him." These words come from the context of Abraham interceding for Sodom. Moses writes later in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?"

Rev. Anthony Farindon, B.D. (1598–1658) states, "The prophet does not bid us do any great things. When men pretend they cannot do what God requires, they should change their language, for the truth is, they will not. It is not only easy, it is sweet and pleasant to do what God requireth. Obedience is the only spring from whence the waters of comfort flow, an everlasting foundation on which alone joy and peace will settle and rest. Take in view the substance of these words of the text. The word 'Lord' is a word of force and efficacy; it striketh a reverence into us, and remembereth us our our duty and allegiance. As He is with that power which made thee. I cannot name the several ways we stand obliged to this Lord. We may comprehend all in that axiom of the civilians, we have as many engagements and obligations as there be instruments and writings betwixt us."[viii][8]

V. The Desired Response toward the Lord

Micah connects, "But to do justly, / To love mercy, / And to walk humbly. . ." (Micah 6:8e)

As Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) writes in "The Charge of the Light Brigade", "Ours is not to reason why. Ours is but to do and die."[ix][9] Tennyson speaks of duty.

From Genesis 3:8 we read, "And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." Also in Genesis 5:24 we read, "And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."

Amos prophesies, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

Editor Joseph Samuel Exell (1849-1909) shares the following quote attributed to J. Bailey, A. M., in The Biblical Illustrator, "This 'walking with God' is the most expressive phrase in the Bible for the Divine life. God and the soul companion pedestrians on the path of life-what could be more forcible? Walking with God is the flood-tide of spirituality in our hearts, and all the shoals and rocks and shallows covered by the bay-filled sea. Before we can walk with God, we must have met Him. Here is just the difficulty, this is the stumble at that start. There can be no walking with God, no communion with Him, till agreement be come to. There is a quarrel and a controversy in the universe. By birth, man is God's enemy; by choice, he is; by will, he remains. Darkness and light cannot be together. Agreement is found alone in the Lord Jesus. It is in the Cross of Christ."[x][10]

General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) stated, "There is no security on this earth. There is only opportunity."

VI. The Dynamic Relationship with the Lord

Micah concludes, ". . . with your God" (Micah 6:8f).

The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His victorious resurrection from the grave is the basis of our relationship with God. While the relationship of the believer is secure the fellowship between God and man is dependent upon our moment by moment obedience. In a moment we can be out of fellowship with God due to sin and in a moment we can be in fellowship with God by confession of sin.

Conclusion

Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) explains, "You will never make yourself feel that you are a sinner, because there is a mechanism in you as a result of sin which will always be defending you against every accusation. We are all on very good terms with ourselves, and we can always put up a good case for ourselves even if we try to make ourselves feel that we are sinners; we will never do it. There is only one way to know that we are sinners, and that is to have some dim, glimmering conception of God."[xi][11]

Some erroneously believe Micah 6:8 teaches a works salvation. There is a godless goodness that causes many to assume they are born again when they are not.

Dr. Edwin Hubbell Chapin (1814-1880) states, "There is nothing in these words concerning terms of salvation, or faith in the atonement. But we may be sure that all the essence and vitality of religion is here. Christ is here; because who can do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with his Maker-without that communion with Christ Jesus, and that inspiration of His Spirit, by which alone we are strengthened and guided to do these things? And what an advantage there is in having such a condensed statement of religion. It clears up things; it is like getting a glimpse of a star in heaven and taking our latitude and longitude when we have been drifting about on the dark waves of doubt. The words of the text set forth no light affair for our performance. The essence of all sight doing, right feeling, and right living is here indicated. The text expresses nothing less than all morality, all philanthropy, all religion; the essence of all vital religion, and the highest spiritual life."[xii][12]

We interpret Scripture with Scripture and we read in Ephesians 2:8-10, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Only after we truly know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord by repentance of our sin and faith in His death, burial and resurrection do we have the proper framework to consider the question, "What is good?"

*****

[1][10]The Biblical Illustrator, ed. Joseph S. Exell, Micah 6:8, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, n. d. [originally published 1887]), p. 88

[1][11]Mark Water, Key Word Commentary: Thoughts on Every Chapter of the Bible (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003) Database Copyright 2005 WORDsearch Corp.

Available from: http://www.archive.org/stream/biblicalillustra281exel#page/73/mode/2up

By Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, pastor First Baptist Church of Spanish Fort 30775 Jay Drive Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527

Author of Sound Biblical Preaching: Giving the Bible a Voice Available on Amazon.com and WORDsearchbible.com

http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Biblical-Preaching-Giving-Bible/dp/1594577684

http://www.wordsearchbible.com/products/Sound_Biblical_Preaching_1476.html

http://www.webspawner.com/users/franklinlkirksey / fkirksey@bellsouth.net / (251) 626-6210

[i][1]G. L. Robinson, The Twelve Minor Prophets (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1926) reprint, (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1967), p. 100

[ii][2]"This Day in History" Available from: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/president-eisenhower-proclaims-law-day Accessed: 04/30/11

[iii][3]Gerhard von Rad, Old Testament Theology, trans. D. M. G. Stalker, 2 vols. (New York: Harper & Row, 1965), 2:186-87; also in his book, The Message of the Prophets (London: SCM, 1968), p. 155

[iv][4]Kenneth L. Barker and D. Waylon Bailey, The New American Commentary: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture, Volume 20 , Micah / Nahum / Habakkuk / Zephaniah (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), p. 113

[v][5]Albert Barnes, Barnes' Notes on the Old Testament Database Copyright 2010 WORDsearch Corp.

[vi][6]The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament Edition, by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books,1985) Database Copyright2003 WORDsearch Corp

[vii][7]Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete New Testament (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2007), p. 664

[viii][8]The Biblical Illustrator, ed. Joseph S. Exell, Micah 6:8, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, n. d. [originally published 1887]), p. 69 Available from: http://www.archive.org/stream/biblicalillustra281exel#page/69/mode/2up

[ix][9]Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poems of Alfred Tennyson, (Boston, MA: J. E. Tilton and Company, 1870)

Available from: http://www.archive.org/stream/biblicalillustra281exel#page/88/mode/2up

[xii][12]The Biblical Illustrator, ed. Joseph S. Exell, Micah 6:8, (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, n. d. [originally published 1887])

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