Justice, Mercy, and Hope in Today's World

Key Scriptures

“O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember what Balak king of Moab devised, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.” LORD “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” 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?” Micah 6:3-8 

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• What are five things that you are thankful for this year?
• What are some new things you have learned in the last couple of weeks about the prophets of the Old Testament?

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• How does Micah’s message of judgment and restoration apply to us today?
• What does Micah’s prophecy reveal about God’s character?
• How does Micah’s message of hope and restoration relate to other prophetic books in the Old Testament?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

• What can we learn from Micah’s message of the importance of faith and trust in God?
• What can we learn from Micah’s message about the importance of treating others with compassion and respect?
• What aspects of your life do you need to ask the Lord to assist you with right now?

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Lord, I thank you for your constant love and mercy. I pray for strength to be that good and faithful servant that you require. You are so so good, Abba Father, and I am so thankful for your redemption and protection over our life. Holy Spirit, bring discernment and direction this holiday season so I can be a blessing as the Lord has been to me. I pray to be less of me and more of you, Lord, every day. I pray for my country and this world that their eyes may turn to you, Jesus, and no longer suffer. Give me the ears to hear and eyes to see your plan, and use me to be the walking billboard of Jesus Christ. Use me, Lord, to be the world's light and salt of the earth. We love you and praise you in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Each day of this week, reach out to someone you have not spoken to in a while and show them the love of Christ.