“What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins?” 6:6-7

The contrast between this verse, and Micah 6:8 really got my attention today. Ten thousand rivers of olive oil? That ain’t cheap. Sacrificing your firstborn children? The ultimate price. These extreme examples are exaggerated responses of gratitude. What could I possibly do to respond to all the Lord has done?! There is no offering big enough.

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” 6:8

It some ways, it doesn’t feel like enough. And in a lot of ways, it still feels like an overwhelming requirement.

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Do you find yourself trying to perform for God? Maybe by ticking enough ‘spiritual boxes’ by attending church or reading your Bible enough. Or exhausting yourself with one thing after another, trying to earn God’s grace in your life.

He keeps it so simple, yet we make it so hard.

Examine your tendency to try to pay back God with good or religious behavior. What are things you can be doing to give him what he really requires?

-Carly