Micah 6:8
Reflecting on Micah 6:8
As I am involved in a faith-justice community I oft find myself reflecting on Micah 6:8. Yesterday, as I was doing just that, it suddenly dawned on me that the beatitudes of Jesus (Mt 5:3-12) are easily linked to the Micah passage.
In the spirit of transparency, since I have been working on my current book project entitled, Beatitudes of Jesus: An Invitation into the Sacred Space of De(re)construction which is due out next month, I do tend to spot the beatitudes lurking all over the bible.
That said I now share with you some of my initial reflections on the intersection of Micah 6:8 and the Beatitudes.
DO Justice
Blessed are those who hunger/thirst for justice—connection to Jesus leads to a changing of our desires. We develop a taste for justice.
Blessed are those who mourn—our hearts being broke by injustice leads to a deepening desire for justice.
LOVE Mercy
Blessed are the merciful—it is mercy not judgement that we are to offer.
Blessed are the peacemakers—drawing on the wisdom of God (which is peaceable) we sow seeds of healing and restoration for friend and foe alike.
WALK Humbly with God
Blessed are the poor in spirit—we acknowledge and own our need for God and one another and order our lives accordingly.
Blessed are the meek/non-violent—trusting in the power and reconciling love of God we do not engage in violence. This is exemplified by the life/death of Jesus.
Blessed our the pure in heart for they shall see God—this involves serving one master, desiring God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
The last two beatitudes are not found in Micah 6:8 but if you choose to live this way in the world, in the church—no longer a silent spectator—you will experience the final two beatitudes.
Blessed are those who are persecuted…
Blessed are YOU when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me….(Mt 5:10-12).
This is the God-life. This is living-Jesus—doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with God.
Which do you find (doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with God) missing from your life and/or a significant challenge when it comes to how you live and order your life?
What injustice breaks your heart? What might be God's invitation to you regarding this injustice in terms of prayer, personal involvement, use of your resources? These are the questions that changed and continue to change my life.
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