Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 11, 2013
“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
God has expectations for His children: justice, mercy and humility are three of His requirements. These are not electives for the student of God’s Word, but three virtuous attributes that are required. Furthermore, the Lord does not ask His followers to behave in any fashion that He has not already modeled before them.
He acts justly, He loves mercy and He walks humbly. He does not expect any behavior from His followers that He has not already exhibited. His justice is sure, right, and fair. His mercy is fresh, deep, and everlasting. His humility is authentic, tranquil, and service oriented. Jesus came to earth from heaven to give us a picture of God’s glory.
We worship an awesome God who has shown us the way. Look at the life of Jesus and He exemplifies this trinity of character traits. He was a man who despised injustice and He confronted unfairness with passion. Jesus was a man on a mission of mercy. He could not wait to extend His grace to some unsuspecting and undeserving soul.
He served humanity’s worst with humility. He did not condone sin, nor was He condescending towards those caught in their sin. He spoke with conviction laced with glory to God,in real life application. He was a man of humility. “Gentle and humble” (Matthew 11:29) are the only two recorded words in scripture that Jesus used to describe Himself. God has modeled the way for us. He does not require what He does not do.
For Christ followers, He is your life. As you walk with Him that realization becomes more apparent. You cannot walk with God and not change, as you become like the one you walk with. When you walk with the Lord you begin to grow in justice, mercy and humility. When you walk with God you are transformed into the image of His son Jesus.
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).
So what does it mean to walk with God? First, you quit striving in your own strength. Slow down and prayerfully channel that same energy heavenward. By faith trust God to work out the people and circumstances beyond your control. This is a walk of faith.
Secondly, as you walk with Him listen to His voice and enjoy His presence.
His voice is reassuring and His presence is calming. Justice, mercy and humility will come as you walk with your heavenly father. Walking with God meets His requirements, as He provides what He requires. Isn’t this just like our gracious God? Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. His requirements are rewarding and good!
Prayer: Do I have a humble walk with the Lord that exhibits mercy, love and justice?
Related Readings: Genesis 5:22-24; Joshua 22:5; Luke 24:1-35; 1 John 1:7
Post/Tweet today: We cannot walk with God and not change, as we become like the one we walk with. #walkwithGod
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Wonderful insights from a man who is known as having a close walk with God! The Christ life is experienced as we take steps of faith in the everyday process of “doing life”. I thank God for lifelong friendships where we see humility clearly exemplified as life challenges and struggles are confronted head on.
In thank God for Jesus’ proclamation in John 15:15. He no longer calls us servants but now calls us friends. Absolutely astounding! A lifelong friend like Boyd Bailey continues to speak into my life with clarity and humility through Wisdom Hunters!
Richard so good to hear from you. Trust you and your family are well! Love, Boyd