What Does the Lord Require?

Our Favorite Things is the title of our summer series. The Elders and staff have selected a favorite passage of scripture and sermons are based on each of those passages. Today's message is from Micah 6:6-8, the favorite passage of Genesis Kids Director Leslie Holdegraver. This passage contains, as one scholar states, "the finest summary of the content of practical religion to be found in the OT." The question is simple: what does the Lord delight in and require from His people? Almost anyone who explores religion is seeking the answer to this question: what exactly do I have to do? The answer, "Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Actually, in answering this question, the prophet does not give us a list to do but tells us the type of people we should become if the Gospel is truly taking root. All of Scripture teaches that there is nothing we can do to please and honor God. Jesus is the only one who lived the perfect life that fulfilled God's requirements. Yet God has given us perfect justice, amazing grace, and beautiful relationship because of Jesus. If we are experiencing Him, our lives and community will be shaped by the character of God made known in Jesus.