WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES

The prophet Micah wrote:

“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?
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.” (6:6-8)

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) comments on this verse:
“What that discovery is. The good which God requires of us is not the paying of a price for the pardon of sin and acceptance with God, but doing the duty which is the condition of our interest in the pardon purchased.”

This is what is not required: a sacrificial system.

This is what is required: ‘Do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord. It is a new conscience and a new heart that pleases the Lord.

“I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.” Jesus