Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God
This is a verse that echoes in my soul every day. This is my goal, to please a loving Father, my Creator. Longing to one day hear the words of Matt 25:21b. “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little”
But what does this mean in our day to day life? How do we restore ourselves to the state of being good, in this broken world?
Micah 6:8 is a summary of the judgements of God penned down by Moses in the Covenant code in Ex 20:22 – 23:19. The he referred to in Micah 6:8 is Moses, in other words: it is all penned down, no confusion, no grey areas. It is there for us to read and apply, we should not even ask the questions, for the answers are there. He does not seek rituals or customs; He is looking for a heart after Him. It is always about our hearts.
How do we do justice?
Not to live by the right and wrongs of the world, but to live according to the right and wrongs of His protective, loving guidelines. Especially justice to the week and defenceless, slaves, animals and more. Justice with compassion to encourage teshuva, a return to relationship with God. Not economical, political or judicial judgement. Justice to help those in need to help themselves, if possible, to empower those who need help or assistance. Helping to create a world where all have equal opportunities.
In the covenant code all aspects are addressed with greater detail in the rest of His Word. Here we find examples of how to draw near to God, how to treat slaves, restitution, social justice and His appointed times.
What about loving-kindness or mercy?
Did you know that when the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into English there was no English word for Chesed? Only then the word loving-kindness was created. This is a foundational part of our Father’s character. Without it we are lost, we receive His loving kindness daily.
In our modern-day life, it is so easy for our hearts to turn cold or hard. For judgement to flow instead of loving-kindness.
Walking humbly?
Without justice and loving-kindness (mercy) it is impossible to walk humbly before God. Walking humble with a heart after Father and an image that reflect His character, we will be able to heal the world, to touch lives and to make a difference.
The walking implies actions not just words, a lifestyle not knowledge. A lifestyle away from pride and self-centredness. A life led by the Spirit in the guidelines of His Word, putting down more of yourself and displaying more of Him.
While discussing this one day, a friend asked, but what makes us different from all others out there that claim to have the same goals of kindness and justice. My answer is, not to do it for our own benefit, but ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. That is why walking humble is added to the mercy and justice. If it was for your own status, it will fuel pride. Let us therefor strive daily to bring glory to His name, the glory He deserves.
- The Oath That Made a People : Nitzavim September 17, 2026A commentary on Parashah Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20) Scripture quotations are from the American Standard Version (1901). Verse numbers in Deuteronomy follow the Hebrew text; English Bibles run one verse higher in this section. 1. Standing in a covenant that was sworn before you were born Nitzavim opens with Israel standing — nitzavim — […]
- Ha’azinu: Luister na die Lied van die Rots September 17, 2026Die naam Ha’azinu beteken “Luister!” Hierdie Torahgedeelte, Deuteronomium 32, bevat die lied wat Moses kort voor sy dood aan Israel geleer het. Dit herinner die volk aan YHVH se trou, waarsku hulle teen geestelike afvalligheid en eindig met die hoop op herstel en versoening. Moses begin deur sy woorde met reën en dou […]
- STAAN, KIES EN WANDEL : NITZAVIM – VAYELECH August 29, 2026Nitzavim–Vayelech : Deuteronomium 29:10–31:30 Hierdie week lees ons ’n dubbele Torah-gedeelte, Nitzavim en Vayelech, en saam bring hierdie twee gedeeltes ons by een van die aangrypendste oomblikke in die Torah. In Nitzavim–Vayelech staan Israel op die vlaktes van Moab. Die woestynreis is amper verby. Die Beloofde Land lê voor hulle. Moses weet dat […]
- WANNEER JY INKOM – KI TAVO August 24, 2026DIE KERN BOODSKAPPE VAN KI TAVO: Onthou waaruit YHVH jou gebring het, wees dankbaar vir waar Hy jou gebring het, en wanneer jy Sy seën binnestap, moenie die Gewer vergeet nie. Ki Tavo (כִּי־תָבוֹא) beteken “Wanneer jy inkom.” Israel staan op die punt om die Beloofde Land binne te gaan. Ná jare in […]
- WANNEER GELOOF DEEL WORD VAN JOU ALLEDAAGSE LEWE – KI TETZE August 16, 2026Ki Tetze (כִּי־תֵצֵא) beteken “Wanneer jy uittrek” of “Wanneer jy uitgaan.” Hierdie Torah-gedeelte bevat meer gebooie as enige ander porsie en raak ’n verstommende verskeidenheid aspekte van die alledaagse lewe aan: gesinsverhoudings, die huwelik, werk, geregtigheid, die versorging van kwesbares, eerlikheid in besigheid, goedheid teenoor diere en selfs die terugbesorging van iets wat verlore […]
- SHOFTIM – WIE REGEER MY HART? August 11, 2026Die woorde waarmee hierdie gedeelte begin, bly deur die eeue heen weerklink: “Geregtigheid, geregtigheid moet jy najaag.” Deuteronomium 16:20 Shoftim (שֹׁפְטִים) beteken “regters”. Israel staan op die drumpel van die Beloofde Land, en YHVH leer hulle dat dit nie genoeg is om die land bloot in besit te neem nie. Hulle moet daarin […]
- Kies Lewe deur die Koning te Volg – Parasha Re’eh August 5, 2026"Kyk (Re'eh), Ek hou vandag voor julle die seën en die vloek." (Deut 11:26) Die eerste woord van hierdie week se Parasha is Re'eh, wat beteken "Kyk!" Dit is merkwaardig dat Moses die volk in die enkelvoud aanspreek. Al staan die hele volk voor hom, spreek hy elke persoon individueel aan. Elkeen moes […]
- Walking in the Footsteps of Covenant – Ekev July 27, 2026The Hebrew word Ekev (עקב) literally means heel or because. It carries the beautiful picture of following in someone's footsteps. Just as a heel leaves a footprint behind, Israel was called to walk in the footsteps of YHVH's covenant. The blessings described in this parashah were not random rewards, but the natural fruit of […]
- The Heart That Hears : Va’etchanan July 20, 2026The name Va'etchanan, meaning "I pleaded" or "I earnestly sought favor," reflects Moses' heartfelt plea to YHVH from the plains of Moab, begging to enter the Promised Land. Despite Elohim's loving refusal, Moses, rather than dwelling on his disappointment, dedicates his final days to preparing the Israelites for a future he will not witness. […]
- From Tears to Hope : The month of Av July 16, 2026The month of Av is one of the most significant months on the biblical calendar. At first glance it seems to be marked by sorrow, yet beneath its ashes lies a remarkable promise of restoration. Historically, the Ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av) became a day associated with national tragedy. Jewish tradition remembers that […]
