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January 24, 2023

What God Requires

Joel Bengbeng   |   Read Micah 6:6-8

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Lectionary Week
January 23–29, 2023
Scripture Overview

We must beware of counterfeit gospels. According to one current counterfeit gospel, we deserve God’s favor based on our deeds or intellect or status. The readings for this week remind us that this is false. Yes, the Israelites offer sacrifices, but they are first and foremost called to show mercy because they have received divine mercy. The psalmist asks who can stand in God’s holy dwelling and so provides a list of ways to live morally. Ultimately no one can stand before God on merit alone. Paul reminds the Corinthians that human wisdom is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God, and thus we should not puff ourselves up based on our intellect. Jesus teaches that those who may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world are great in the kingdom of heaven.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Micah 6:1-8. How have you let down God? What changes can you make to recommit to your relationship with God?Read Psalm 15. Consider the notion that the requirements for dwelling with God are in how we treat our friends and neighbors. How does this change the ways you seek God?Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. When have you seen God’s work in the world in a way that is antithetical to human standards?Read Matthew 5:1-12. How do you maintain a poverty of spirit in your relationship with God? How does this help you to serve God and others?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Micah 6:6-8

6 With what should I approach the LORD and bow down before God on high? Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings, with year-old calves? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with many torrents of oil? Should I give my oldest child for my crime; the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit? 8 He has told you, human one, what is good and what the LORD requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Micah deplored the wealthy who were oppressing the poor, and he warned that Judah was doomed to fall because of its failure to do justice. When we reject justice, we reject Godself. Justice is when everyone has a place at the table with full access to the abundance of life....

God of justice, teach us to incorporate our worship with works of justice, our liturgy with love and humility. May our prayers be full of compassion, our rituals translated to mercy, and our offering coupled with sacrificial love for others. Amen.


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