Throughout the Bible the courtroom is often used as an analogy, right through to the effect of Jesus' work upon the cross. There is absolute right and wrong, we will all be called to give an account, especially God's own people. In fact it is a feature of the Bible that it is actually more concerned with how God's people behave, than how the rest of the world behave. It does not ignore how others behave, but its prime concern is with God's people. So our prime concern should be how we behave in the world.
The Lord had a case against Israel. The Lord had done much for Israel. He had rescued them from Egypt, He had delivered them from various enemies.
Micah then responds to this. It is not more sacrifices that the Lord requires, but a change of heart. We are to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. This is how we should react in any situation we face. We should not fear the enemy, or the circumstances, but should instead seek to do what is right, to be merciful to others, and to trust in God. Then we will see the Lord act on our behalf. We are not meant to live life as if everything is dependent upon us, or as if we should be in total control. We are meant to live as if we are living in partnership, in fellowship, with God. And of course He is the senior partner!
Now Micah was not saying that the sacrifices were wrong, they were part of the Law, they were required. But the object was always that Israel should live right. In the same way, the gospel is not just about forgiveness, but is about forgiveness and transformation. We were forgiven so that we could be changed.
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