From the beginning of God teaching Israel what it meant to follow Him, it was never about outward appearance. “What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear, (to revere, to hold in deep respect, love and awe), the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving to you today for your own good.” (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). God’s actions toward Israel are born in love and He asks for love in return. He asks them to circumcise their hearts and to no longer be stiff-necked. Have you ever bargained with God? Like: “If You get me out of this I will really change.” God shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. (10:17). He wants our love and unrestricted dedication and service to His ways. Not out of duty, but from heartfelt love for Him.
I find it interesting that we sometimes believe we can do something to get right with God. I hear statements like, “I came to God, I asked Jesus to be my Savior, I got baptized, I got filled with the Holy Spirit... I, I, I.” Micah gives an answer to God when He asks Israel to plead its case for not loving and serving Him. “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offering, with ...
