We just finished a series where we went deeper into the instructions from James 1:19-20. These instructions - being willing to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger - are great ways to help us live a life that honors God. Furthermore, in the last week we looked at Micah 6:8, which says, "He has shown you, O mortal, 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."
This verse and the seven verses before it can actually reveal to us the right kind of life that God desires for us to live. Before Micah 6:8, the Lord's asking Israel - especially the country's leaders - what He has done to cause them to treat Him badly. He reminds them what He has done for them.
The Prophet Micah follows this by asking rhetorical questions about what to do to show that they're sorry and to live a better life. He answers them with Micah 6:8.
So, for this month, we'll look at what it means to live the right kind of life: remember your journey, act justly, love mercy, and to walk with our God in humility and wisdom. All the while remembering that Jesus is who saves us, not living the right life.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Before Micah told the Israelites how to live the right kind of life, he shares that the Lord wants them to remember their journey. The Lord desires for us to remember our journey and to think on all the amazing things God has done throughout history. In doing this, we come to know His righteous acts.
The Bible has many passages where remembering the past is encouraged. In Psalms 145, the writer is meditating on God’s works and generations are passing down stories about His miracles. In Joshua, the Lord provides a way across the Jordan River by stopping its flow. After everyone is over, He tells Joshua to create a monument to remind those there and future generations of this amazing miracle. Jesus also provides encouragement, in John 14, by saying that the Holy Spirit will come and help us to remember the things that He said while He was on earth. The Holy Spirit has the power to remind us of things we need to help us continue to live a God-honoring life.
Remembering our journey helps us live the right kind of life in these ways: First, remembering our journey encourages and motivates us. When we share or meditate on how good God has been, even to just each of us, it’s hard to not want to honor Him with how we live or to not have faith in His ability to help us. Second, it helps others to understand God better. Not only should we remember what He has done for our own benefit, but we must share about it with others, both to fellow Christians and unbelievers. This can teach people about God’s power and His kingdom. Lastly, it gives us light. In dark times, remembering what Jesus has said and done can shine a light on what to do next.
Here’s what not to do to when remembering your journey: Keep it to yourself – The best way to remember your journey is to share about it with others, God placed you in this journey for you to use it to encourage others to come to Him. Focus on the bad things, including your sins – We’re called to keep our minds on things that are good and praiseworthy, focus on how God saved you from bad times or provided for you through them. Forget about God’s impact – In every season and in every moment, God’s working in your life.
God's Guidance:
Micah 6:4-5 (NIV) – “I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab plotted and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.””
Micah 6:8 (NIV) – “He has shown you, O mortal, 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.”
Psalms 145:4-7 (NIV) – “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Psalms 145:10-12 (NIV) – “All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”
Joshua 4:5-7 (NIRV) – “He said to them, “Go back to the middle of the Jordan River. Go to where the ark of the Lord your God is. Each one of you must pick up a stone. You must carry it on your shoulder. There will be as many stones as there are tribes in Israel. The stones will serve as a reminder to you. In days to come, your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Tell them that the Lord cut off the flow of water in the Jordan River. Tell them its water stopped flowing when the ark of the covenant of the Lord went across. The stones will always remind the Israelites of what happened there.””
John 14:26 (NIV) – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Psalms 119:55 (NIV) – “In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.”
Philippians 4:8 (CEV) – “Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.”
Deuteronomy 6:12 (NIV) – “be careful that you do not forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Application:
1. Create a memory jar – write down things that God has done in your life or in those around you and put them in the jar
2. Share something that God has done in your life with another person this week
3. Remind yourself of Jesus and who He is whenever you feel lost, alone, weak, or scared
Strength Point:
Remembering and meditating on God, who He is, and what He has done is a power that’s always available to us.
Reflection Question:
What does it mean to live the right kind of life that God wants?
Prayer Prompt:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for always being with me on my journey through life. You’re there with me in every step I take, no matter how slow and whether towards victory, through struggle, or __. I’m sorry for looking ahead in anticipation or worry, while barely ever reflecting on how good You’ve been to me. Remind me, Lord, to pause, meditate on, and praise You for what You’ve done in my life, the lives of those around me, and the many majestic wonders You have accomplished throughout all of history. I pray that Your clear faithfulness, mercy, and love in my life would be what my decisions, views, and emotions depend on. I want my faith in You to grow. Help me to do this by recognizing Your power, Your love, and Your loyalty in every season of my life. I give my future, plans and outcomes included, to You, please lead me gently. You are a good and kind leader! I love You! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen!
A Prayer to Pray over Others:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for always being with us on our journey through life. You’re there with us in every step we take, no matter how slow and whether towards victory or through struggle. Help my friend to start reflecting on how good You’ve been to them, instead of constantly looking ahead in anticipation or worry. Remind them, Lord, to pause, meditate on, and praise You for what You’ve done in their life, the lives of those around them, and the many majestic wonders You have accomplished throughout all of history. I pray that Your clear faithfulness, mercy, and love in my friend’s life would be what their decisions, views, and emotions depend on. Create a desire in them to grow in their faith. Help them to do this by recognizing Your power, Your love, and Your loyalty in every season of their life. I pray that my friend would give their future, plans and outcomes included, to You, please lead them gently. You are a good and kind leader! I love You, God! In Your Name, Jesus, I pray, amen.
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